CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - A standing ovation and legislative commendations honored John Mohamed as the Park Ranger was feted by Carmichael community last week.

The hero of a Madison Avenue fire, Mohamed recently received a Medal of Valor from the National Park Rangers Association. Employed by Fulton El Camino Park Police and serving other park districts, the officer is equally popular for the professionalism of his service as for his dancing during rock concerts.

Mohamed stepped from park duty and into real danger when he noticed a shuttered restaurant ablaze in May of 2022. First reporting the conflagration, he climbed through a fence to check for occupants. He quickly removed a transient from the fully engulfed building. Leaving the man in a Sheriff’s care, Mohamed reentered the fire to seek other occupants. The roof was collapsing as he struggled to exit.

“My chest was heavy, my throat hurt,” he recalls of his escape. “My first lungful of outside air felt good. I was thankful to have made it out.” The hero was hospitalized and treated for throat and lung damage. More than a year later he still has a persistent cough.

His actions resulted in decoration and community gratitude. “He’s a hero,” considers Carmichael Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Izzy De Lancey. “He didn’t think about his own life; he immediately set out to save somebody else. Officer Mohamed demonstrates how the skills of one highly trained professional can make our community a safer place.”

Attending the Chamber luncheon with his fiancée Denise Ulm, the Ranger accepted congratulations and framed commendations. “I grew up in this area and I've always loved working here,” he told Chamber of Commerce members.

“I don’t think of myself as a hero. All these honors have surprised and humbled me. I just did my job to the best of my ability. The reason I was able to respond to this situation as I did was because of years of training from other officers. I’m grateful to them. And I’m glad there was no loss of life, and that no one was left behind.”

 

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - In today’s busy world where people sometimes feel isolated and alone, Dr. Jan Cooper has set out to ensure people feel seen.

“I prayed one day,” he said, “‘Lord give me something I can do in five minutes that will make other people happy and will make me happy.”’

The quick happiness solution ended up being quite simple – he learns people’s names and draws them. The name might turn into a dog, cat, or alligator. He allows himself to be inspired by the individual sitting in front of him, and the pen does the rest.

Cooper, who has two upcoming book signing events this fall, is a local author that has dedicated his life to learning and sharing his gifts and his faith.

“I just kept writing. It just kept coming out,” he shared, “The reason I know it’s from the Holy Spirit is because I know I’m not smart enough to write things like that. I flunked English twice in high school and college.”

And continuing to write he has. He is currently the author of ten books, including one translated into Spanish and a coloring book. He is also a former teacher. His career started by teaching inner city youth on an Indian reservation in North Dakota. He made $4800 for the entire year. In 1967, he went to Sacramento and got job offers right away as a teacher in the Grant Union School District but had to “teach himself English by teaching English.” He retired in 2004 but continued to pour into local young people by substitute teaching for another 17 years. He has also taught art – specifically painting and drawing – for over 20 years to both children and adults.

With a teaching career that led him to interact with inner city youth often, he did not shy away.

“Some considered them dangerous, some considered they just didn’t care,” he said. “But I loved the students, and they knew that.”

His love of young people also carries into his love of his country. His books clearly have a conservative tone, and he has a passion to see faith and rationality become part of the political landscape again.

“America has fallen asleep into a state of name calling, bickering, and fighting. Our leaders are supposed to be setting the best example for our youth. All my folks did was yell, scream, holler and fight. I don’t want that in our country because I can see how it can affect our youth.”

Now, Cooper is continuing his mission to share his faith, and his political concerns. He is of the camp that believes socialism is a threat to our nation, and he isn’t shy about saying so.

“My main concern when the pandemic hit was I had so many good ideas, bad ideas, wrong ideas about what was happening in our country,” he said. “I was raised in the military – I went to high school in Japan. I saw what was going on in different parts of the world.”

Being a writer is also healing for himself as well. Recently, he has dealt with chronic pain, and he finds relief when he is artistic.

“When I do what I know God wants me to be doing, the pain goes away,” he said.

You can meet Dr. Jan Cooper in person at two upcoming book signing events. He will be at the Citrus Heights Barnes & Noble on October 28 from 11am-2pm, and at the Arden Barnes & Noble on November 4 from 11am-2pm. You can also check out his collection of books for sale on his website, drjancooper.com.

At his book signing events, he will have his drawing pad. For everyone who buys a book – and maybe even for those who do not – he will be ready to draw their name.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Twenty-five artists have contributed to an exhibition marking the centenary of Carmichael’s oldest congregation. Among the most photographed and painted of local structures, the Carmichael Presbyterian Church chapel and sanctuary are subjects of a Centennial Art Show.

“We’re delighted our church has provided such inspiration,” says CPC Art Committee member, Kathy Daigle. “It’s long been one of the most admired buildings in Carmichael, with unique links to community history. We’re glad a place that inspires faith can also inspire art.”

The art committee this year connected with the Sacramento Fine Art Center to recruit artists. On a spring Saturday, a plein air paint-out assembled. “It was a festive morning,” reports Daigle. “Dozens of artists found special spots all around the church campus. We also had photographers here. We invited them all to submit for our show.”

Exhibited works include oils, watercolors, pastels, charcoals, mixed media and photos. Most portray the mission-style adobe architecture that was born – in the middle of last century – of good Sacramento County mud.

“Our church is an iconic symbol, here in the heart of Carmichael,” considers Daigle. “From our olive trees to our chapel and our sanctuary, everything is linked to events that shaped community history.”

Congregation founders united in the early 1900s during the colonization of Daniel Carmichael’s satellite town. The mixed-denomination group first worshiped in the Carmichael Elementary schoolhouse on Sutter Avenue. Re-branded Presbyterians, they raised a wooden church on Marconi Avenue. Soon outgrown, this was replaced by an adobe chapel – built across the avenue – during WW II. A larger sanctuary accommodated 1950s population growth.

Currently 500-strong, the congregation began a program of centennial events early this year. On September 16, its food closet will celebrate 50 years of providence with a barbecue. Contributors to the art show will be invited to an October 8 meet-and-greet.

Rounding off 2023 jubilation, a history book will launched; a centennial quilt will be unveiled and a December 1-3 gala weekend will offer a concert and luncheon. Anyone may attend the celebrations.

Along with plein air art, church memorabilia has been assembled. Exhibits can be viewed in the church Gathering Place Gallery until the end of 2023. Most art pieces are available for purchase.

For visiting or for event information, call the Church office at 916 486 9081.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Man’s best friends last week made many new pals during a senior home visit.

With their handlers, seven service dogs from the Gold Rush Chapter of Canine Companions padded politely into Sunrise Senior Living of Carmichael. Seven tails wagged as memory-impaired residents cuddled and petted to their hearts’ content.

“There was lots of joy,” says Abby Johnson, a facility staffer who also who also raises Canine Companions puppies. “We heard stories about residents’ own dogs. Memory-impaired residents might not recall the presentation, but they relished such a tactile experience. The smiles said it all.

“As a handler, I bring my puppy Nectarine to work every day. She’s 12 weeks old and popular with everyone. Her temperament is a calming influence. Being raised with this community will make her an incredible service dog.”

The organization’s canines – mainly Labradors and golden retrievers – make visits to senior and nursing facilities as part of job training. After a 22-month learning curve, they leave trainers to enrich the lives of the disabled or to take on work in criminal justice, health care and education.

“We expose our dogs to as many ages and conditions of people as possible,” explains Abby Johnson. “Having positive experiences with seniors helps their development as future service dogs.”

Seven wagging tails left a facility filled with smiles. “My mom often says how much she misses her own dog,” said a resident’s son. “Today she got to cuddle and baby-talk for as long as she wanted. The puppies seemed to love her right back. It’s been ages since I’ve seen mom so happy and engaged.”

Canine Companions is a non-profit whose dogs provide millions of interactions in American communities every year. Learn about the group at www.canine.org

Sunrise Senior Living of Carmichael is located at 5451 Fair Oaks Boulevard.