Elder Kindness Gang Hits the Streets
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - The COVID-19 virus outbreak and its subsequent lockdown has separated many from their loved ones and brought a heightened sense of awareness to the health vulnerabilities of seniors. In order to maintain a cheerful and elevated spirit, a compassionate group of caretakers called the Elder Kindness Gang created an automobile parade, driving by and honking at Sacramento area senior facilities, including Carmichael, on Wednesday, May 6th.
Showing support and solidarity in this tough time, Dot Boyd, Senior Safety Specialist, said the EKG wants “to show the community our big hearts in a very jubilant and boisterous way.”
Cynthia Newton of Nurse Next Door–Home Care Services said, “I love participating in the Kindness Car Parade because it brings so much joy to the Seniors, First Responders and the participants. … since we cannot visit these people in person.” Her pink Volkswagen Beetle decorated with yellow flowers was one of some twenty vehicles parading to touch some lonely hearts.
“Cars with supportive words, balloons, loud horns, bubbles, and smiling faces make up the EKG parade… giv[ing] anyone who is in or around its path, the reason to smile,” said Cynthia Driver of Live Well at Home. She explained that parading for seniors is a way to show that “we are in this together”.
The Kindness Car Parade was yet another way the kind-minded individuals of the Sacramento area took to action and would not let a pressing national situation take precedence over humaneness.
Women's Empowerment Annual Gala Goes Virtual
Online Event to Feature Graduate Videos, Auction, Award and Garibaldi Painting
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – With just a few clicks, community members can attend Women’s Empowerment’s annual gala fundraiser, this year a virtual event themed “WE are Resilient.” The local nonprofit job training and empowerment program for women who are homeless and their children raises a fifth of the organization’s annual budget through the gala, which honors the group’s 1,657 graduates. The event will take place from 6:00-6:45 p.m. and will include videos of the graduates, a live auction, presentation of the To Heal the World Award and Sacramento entertainment artist David Garibaldi in his home studio creating a resilience-themed painting. RSVP for the event at Womens-Empowerment.org to receive updates and a first look at auction items.
“As we see so much chaos and bad news around us, we are looking forward to shining the light of hope on May 21, as this community learns about the incredible women who have overcome homelessness despite obstacles like the housing crisis and pandemic,” said Lisa Culp, executive director, Women’s Empowerment. “Women’s Empowerment is resilient because the women in our program are resilient. This year’s Gala attendees will be inspired.”
Women’s Empowerment was featured on NBC’s The TODAY Show in 2015 for offering the most comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women who are homeless and their children. The award-winning organization has graduated 1,657 homeless women and their 3,792 children. Last year, 70 percent of graduates found homes in the midst of the housing crisis, and 79 percent secured jobs or enrolled in school or training. The program combines self-esteem courses, job training, health classes, support services and paid job training to help homeless women across diverse ages, races and cultures. Women’s Empowerment is funded through private donations from the community and grants. To donate: Womens-Empowerment.org.
Hundreds of Healthcare Workers Surprised at Mercy San Juan
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – On Monday, April 27, a large hot rod themed food truck rolled onto the Mercy San Juan Medical Center campus to deliver an unexpected, but much appreciated, gesture of thanks.
Over 800 staff members were treated to lunch catered by Drewski’s gourmet food truck. It was all made possible through a collective effort led by Kerri Dupray, a neighbor of the hospital looking to give back to local health workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Dr. Lalchandani and your staff saved my father’s life 15 years ago! We are so grateful for all of you! You’re all our heroes!” said Kerri.
Kerri rallied family and friends to pitch in to be able to provide lunch for Mercy San Juan staff and worked with Andrew Blaskovich, Drewski’s food truck owner, who generously provided the meals at a large discount to support this cause stating, ‘It was the right thing to do.’
“Right now our home life is challenged through the shelter in place order and at work we’re confronted with a completely unprecedented crisis and so the support of our colleagues and leaders has been critical but we would’ve never expected an outpouring of community support like how we’ve received and we can’t thank everyone enough – it’s what keeps us going. We do it all for you,” said Virginia Owens, Mercy San Juan RN.
KP International: The Quiet Heroes
RANCH CORDOVA, CA (MPG) – In a time where things appear to be so uncertain on a national level, looking for certainty in our own neighborhoods brings a feeling that we and our neighbors can overcome the current crisis together.
In these challenging times neighbors and shoppers want to be sure where they are shopping and visiting are serious about battling the possibility of the spread of the virus. They want to be sure that regular cleaning and precautions are in place.
One local grocery center, KP International Market, has been stepping up to create an even safer and cleaner environment. Lead by their management team, the store has adhered to all the government guidelines for social interactions while keeping the store open for business daily.
KP staff regularly clean, disinfect and sanitize the entire store, grocery carts, and all service areas. They are quietly and professionally dedicated to making every patron feel safe about their visit.
All staff are wearing face masks and gloves, changing them after each use. All checkers are wearing face shields while in the checkout stands. All checkout stands are being wiped down with disinfectant every few minutes. The entire store is quarantined and completely sanitized weekly.
The store management is providing masks and gloves for all shoppers when they enter the store. They are making every effort possible to have all protocols in place.
A great resource for many items you can’t normally find at other stores, this store is remaining nearly fully stocked of the items regularly purchased by their international shoppers. They are now selling hand sanitizers for their shoppers. BJ Yu, the store owner, reported that getting the sanitizer for sale to their shoppers had been extremely difficult and they are grateful they were now able to provide it.
The Food Court, always a favorite lunch venue for shoppers and local business people looking for a quick and tasty meal, is also open daily for take-out.
KP International is one of the community’s more supportive companies. They donate to many local non-profits and to many annual events put on by the city and local organizations.
The store has had to cancel a few of their own events that normally would draw large crowds to the center. These events were cancelled out of an abundance of caution for their attendees.
Owner BJ Yu said in our interview; “These are difficult times, but we must keep working hard and be considerate of each other. We must keep going and we will get through this together as a community.”
He and his entire staff have a big heart for the community and they are showing it again with all the extra pre-cautions being taken to clearly put the safety of their shoppers first.
KP International is located at 10971 Olson Drive, Rancho Cordova, just across the street from the local post office in the big shopping mall. They are open from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Sunday. You can find out more by visiting their web site at sac.kpinternationalmarket.com
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Soil Born Farms has been inspiring and teaching families to grow some of their own food and herbs since 2000. One of the original objectives of Victory Gardens that started during World War I applies to the current challenge we face today to maintain the vitality and morale of Americans on the home front through the production of nutritious vegetables outdoors. We know that spending time in nature and getting our hands in the soil goes a long way to reduce anxiety and boost our immune system. Nothing beats the flavor or nutritional value of food straight from the garden.
As we prioritize health and safety guidelines currently in place at the farm we are thrilled to offer collections of organic starts of vegetables, herbs and flowers and fruit trees to create a victory garden or add to your home garden, patio, backyard orchard or urban farm. We have selected varieties that do well in our climate. The Greenhouse Garden Shop is a micro business that grows healthy seedlings for the farm, school gardens, community gardens and home gardens while engaging youth and adults in the process. The greenhouse and fruit tree nursery are important components of our Grow Your Groceries and Harvest Sacramento programs. Proceeds benefit SBF education programs.
As an organic farm committed to practicing regenerative principles in the service of wellness and providing healthy food to our customers and community, we are determined now more than ever, to do everything possible to move forward with that purpose. Behind the scenes we are digging deep and being creative. We are revising plans, seeking emergency funding, reaching out to partners, funders and friends to help our nonprofit farm and education center survive this crisis and carry on with our mission.
In 2000, Soil Born Farms reintroduced urban farming in Sacramento. We believe that it is possible and important to grow food in backyards, schoolyards and community spaces. This simple act is a powerful piece of the puzzle to reduce hunger and improve the health in our community. It is useful, healthful and empowering to anyone who engages. Twenty years later, as we face uncertainty, the simple act of growing food in our own backyards has never been more important. Spending time at home over coming weeks can be used to forge a deeper, more intentional connection to our food and to the earth that provides it. Many of our grandparents answered the call during World War II by producing most of the fresh food the country needed in front and backyard victory gardens. Facing the Covid-19 pandemic is our generation’s opportunity to step up in a similar way.
Support The Fundraising Efforts of Kiwanis Club of Carmichael
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael will not be holding the 18th annual Taste of Carmichael this year that was scheduled for May 15, 2020. This is a great disappointment for us because this is not just a Kiwanis event, it is a celebration and showcasing of the incredible community partners that make Carmichael such a remarkable place to live and work.
Of course, our first and foremost concern is the health and safety of our members and community but the cancellation of this major fundraising event creates a significant income deficiency for our Foundation projects. These projects include support for children, families, schools and programs throughout the area.
We are, therefore, asking your support at this time during the Big Day of Giving that will be held on May 7, 2020. You can access the site https://www.bigdayofgiving.org at any time after April 20, 2020. There are many non-profits that are worthy of your support at this time. Your contributions will enable us to continue to provide vital resources to those in need in our community. It will also allow us to fulfill our vision: “Kiwanis will be a positive influence worldwide so that children will wake up in a community that believes in them, nurtures them and provides the support that they need to thrive.”
You may ask, what are we doing to support our community? The photo featured here reflects some of our hands-on projects and a list of additional projects can be seen at www.carmichaelkiwanis.org/. During this challenging time, we are also increasing our allocations to local food banks and providing needy individuals with food gift cards. If you would prefer to donate directly through our website, carmichaelkiwanis.org, there is a link to the Big Day of Giving posted there and also a link to donate directly to the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael by PayPal or a credit card under the tab Donate 2020.
Thank you all for your support during this difficult time. We are so fortunate to be in a “community of givers” that works together as a unit to support our residents. We have all been changed by this situation and we look forward to our continued collaborations as we rebuild a stronger community together in the future. Please stay safe and well!
For more information visit www.carmichaelkiwanis.org/
Kiwanis Club Of Carmichael Hands-On Service Projects
“Serving The Children Of Carmichael”
Koobs Nature Area Maintenance
Koobs Nature Area Public Open Days Participating In Learning Stations
Koobs Nature Area Observances of Memorial Day And Veterans Day
American River Parkway Monthly Cleanup
Preparing Lunches for VIP Special Olympics Events
Serving Lunches for Mission Oaks Park & Rec Holiday Meals,
Salvation Army Bell Ringing
Preparing and Serving at The Effie Yeaw Nature Center Bird & Breakfast Event
Preparing and Serving Lunch at Del Paso Elementary Family Lunch
Preparing and Serving Lunch at The CFFU Fishing Derby
Staffing and Selling See’s Candy that supports the Arts
Cooking and Serving Food at The Annual Crab Feed
Cooking and Serving Food at Easter and July 4th Pancake Breakfasts
Classroom Support at Cameron Ranch Elementary School
Making Buddy Dolls
Making Activity Packets for Sheriffs’ Patrol Unit
Distributing Information Stickers for Children’s’ Safety Seats
Supporting Spring Activity at Schweitzer Elementary School
Stuffing Holiday Stockings for Homeless Children at HART And SJUSD
Reading To Students at Starr King Elementary School
Assist at Sheriff’s Toy Project Distribution Center
Sponsor Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venture Crew
Advisors at K-Kids, Key Clubs and Aktion Club
Setting Up, Taking Down Holiday Decorations at Kiwanis Family House.
Spring March Around and Maintenance at Kiwanis Family House
Preparing and Serving Holiday Meals at Kiwanis Family House
Participants on The Kiwanis Swing Band
Purchasing, Filling and Distributing Backpacks For Youth
Co-Sponsor The Wayne Reimers Jazz Festival for Youth
Ride In the Carmichael July 4th Parade
Facilitate the Kids Concert at Carmichael Park
Facilitate a Children’s Safety Awareness Event
Web: www.carmichaelkiwanis.org Facebook.com/Carmichaelkiwanis Email: info@carmichaelkiwanis.org
Birthday Girl Celebrates on the Portico
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Joanne Glaser became a Respite Resident of Aegis Living Carmichael in October of 2019, as her health challenges made it too difficult for her to remain home; to our delight, she transitioned to Permanent Residency by the end of the month. Most importantly, while Joanne was weak when she arrived at Aegis, she began to thrive, soon after; thus, instead of mostly staying in her apartment, she was able to engage in the many Life’s Enrichment options, scheduled throughout the day in the community. Joanne endeared herself to the other residents & staff by always being kind & offering to help others.
Joanne was married fifty years to her husband George, who passed away a few years ago. She is blessed to have six children, eleven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren and a family who is very attentive & loving to her, as deserved.
Joanne was a stunt double in a movie for Angela Lansbury jumping on a train! Later she was an accountant for the San Juan Unified School District. She is a very religious woman, thus, enjoying her church, bible classes and currently, the St. Matthews Lutheran Sunday Services, shared with her via FaceTime by her daughter Shelly.
We are celebrating Joanne’s 82nd birthday at Aegis in a unique way, as the community is currently on lockdown, due to COVID-19. Thus, we will be serving dinner to Joanne, inside the front entrance of the community, with her daughter Shelly and brother Mike at a table twenty feet away under the outside portico. Hopefully, she will enjoy the festivities and have fond memories of them.