Cosumnes Connect Newsletter - May

May 2022

MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

to produce innovative ideas through the process of human-centered design thinking.

The District Leadership Team is continually looking at ways to improve internal operations and ensure everyone is best positioned to deliver exemplary services to the community. As we emerge from the pandemic, we have taken the opportunity to re-evaluate our District-wide committee program.

A collaborative workforce develops leadership and management skills, breaks silos, increases diversity awareness, and builds team spirit.

The following are the newly designated District committees.

• Safety & Risk Management • Innovation & Efficiency • Professional Development • Community Engagement • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion If you want to volunteer to serve on one of these District committees, please seek approval from your supervisor and complete the interest survey by May 23, 2022.

District wide committees have been restructured to better align with District values and encourage employees to collaborate on short and long-term goals as a method to increase communication, spark innovation, and promote transparency.

Cross-functional team collaboration is highly encouraged as a method for engaging employees from multiple classifications, divisions, and expertise 1

Joshua Green, General Manager

Presenting to the District’s Board of Directors?

Volunteer Appreciation

Are you scheduled to make a presentation to the District’s Board of Directors anytime soon? If so, make sure you are use the approved PowerPoint template and Staff Report template.

The templates were created by our Graphics team along with the District Clerk to provide a consistent and professional look and feel across all Departments.

The District honored its volunteers and volunteer groups at a picnic at Elk Grove Park. CERT, Partners for Parks, Elk Grove Anti-Trash League, Western Festival, L&L Advisory Committee members, among others enjoyed a picnic provided by the Elk Grove Lion’s Club.

Directors Brewer and Luttrell attended the event showing their support and appreciation for all the contributions and the positive impact these groups have in our community.

Community Engagement Elk Grove is a great place to live with an amazing quality of life – we need to keep it that way. Together, we can responsibly plan now for future generations.

That is why we need to hear from you!

Find out more and provide your feedback by scanning the QR code.

ElkGroveLife.com 2

Monument Sign On Tuesday, April 26, 2022, the Gil Albiani Recreation Center monument sign was installed.

The Center, previous site for the Elk Grove Senior Center, went under major renovation, and in September of 2021 the Board approved naming it the “Gil Albiani Recreation Center”.

This facility offers a much-needed Recreation Center on the east side of town and it hosts pre-school classes, recreation classes, and event facilities among other programming.

To view the renovated center, stop by or visit the photo gallery linked below.

PHOTO GALLERY 3

Elk Grove Veterans Memorial Phase 2 of the Elk Grove Veterans Memorial is under way. The Memorial is located within Elk Grove Park (9950 Elk Grove Florin Road) to the north of the White Diamond ball field and is identified in the 2021-26 CIP as a revitalization project.

Phase 1 of the project was completed in 2019, which included the construction of a decomposed granite trail, flagpole, and a large bronze-colored concrete star.

The second phase consists of installing benches, and memorial bricks, which are available for purchase and dedication to local veterans.

On May 4, 2022 the District’s Board of Directors authorized the award of contract for the construction of Elk Grove Veterans Memorial Phase 2 to Saenz Landscape Construction Company. The contract is for the amount of $67.882 which includes a contingency of $6,171 (10%). Directors also authorized funding allocation from Quimby in-lieu fees of $34,882.

Construction is anticipated to begin May 2022.

Bounty on the Boulevard The Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation has exciting news! Bounty on the Boulevard returns for its 5th annual premier fundraising event on Sunday, June 5th from 5-9 pm.

The farm-to-table event will be hosted at District 56 located at 8320 Civic Center Dr., Elk Grove, and will feature appetizers, local wineries, and homegrown craft breweries followed by a four-course dinner featuring freshly prepared local ingredients.

The event supports the foundation in covering the costs associated with awarding student scholarships. Tickets are priced at $150 per person and are on sale now on the foundation’s website, www.ElkGroveRSF.org. This adult onlyevent is expected to sell out soon!

UPCOMING EVENTS Comedy Under the Stars Friday, May 20 & Friday, June 17 Laguna Town Hall More Info

Summer Club Preview Tuesday, May 31 Wackford Complex More Info

Water Safety Day Saturday, June 18 Jerry Fox Swim Center More Info Stay tuned on upcoming programs and events hosted by Parks and Recreation!

Stay tuned on upcoming Programs & Events programs and events

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Fill the Boot In 1972, a jet airplane attempting to take off from Sacramento Executive Airport, crashed into a crowded Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor, killing 23 people and burning many others. A Sacramento firefighter, Gene LaVine, and eight family members died in the crash. Shortly after, Sacramento Fire Department Captain Cliff Haskell and the Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Local 522 started their initial fundraising campaigns in December 1973.

Over the years, the Firefighters Burn Institute has expanded its mission to include burn research, public education, fire and burn prevention, and burn recovery for survivors and their families, extending far beyond the firefighting community to burn survivors.

Donations are used to improve burn treatment and fund life-altering burn recovery programs, including Firefighters Kids Camp for young burn survivors and the Little Heroes Preschool Burn Camp.

Each year, dozens of Cosumnes Fire personnel fill the streets for one long fundraising day. In the past 18 years, Cosumnes Fire has raised over $563,000 during the annual boot drives. In 2021, the community donated a record high of $46,713 in just seven hours. This year over $43,000 was raised in support of the Firefighters Burn Institute.

A huge THANKS to everyone who helped upcoming programs and events makeStay thistuned Boot on Drive a success. hosted by Parks and Recreation!

Contributions and participation ensure a positive difference will be made in the lives of Programs & Events burn survivors in our community.

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Aquatic Facility Operator Course On April 11 and 12 Knorr Systems, Int’l hosted an Aquatic Facility Operator Course at Wackford. Several personnel attended the training receiving instruction on pump room operation and water chemistry: Jose Garcia, Arcelia Teresa, Petrona Diego, Frank Fines, Pete Pascual, Al Sanchez, Chad Cover, Matt Matties, Jose Gonzalez, Davonte Harding, Guillermo Navarro, Colin Smith, and Will Neville.

This national certification; shows the District’s continued commitment to providing top-notch professional development opportunities to its personnel and maintaining our aquatics facilities at their highest and safest operating conditions to serve our community.

Food Manager Certification Kirsten Potter earned the ServSafe Food Manager Certification, a more in-depth certification than the Basic Food handling cert that State/Local governments require.

This qualification is usually obtained by chefs, supervisors, and restaurant owners. The 100- question exam tests knowledge on preventing food contamination, health & hygiene, equipment, managerial responsibilities, compliance, etc.

At the Gil Albiani Recreation Center, Kirsten will help protect our patrons from Foodborne illnesses, supervise our volunteer food handlers to ensure food safety practices, and assist in maintaining our District’s Food Safety plan.

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PROMOTIONS: Amber Anderson – Deputy Fire Marsha Marilyn Leoncio – Accountant Sr. Lizy Silva – Management Analyst INTERIM: Eric Sturges, Park Maintenance Supervisor

SEPARATIONS: Petrona and Arcelia were named Employees of the Quarter at the P&R Quarterly All Staff Meeting. Recognized for all of their hard work over their years with Cosumnes CSD and for being the first graduates of the Parks Apprentice Program.

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Fernanda Lopez-Mendoza – Administrative Assistant Chantal Udasco – Recreation Supervisor Josh Branco – Management Analyst John Woolman – Park Ranger

May is Mental Health Awareness Month Mental health is an incredibly important part of overall health and wellbeing. Still, people hesitate to seek help or even talk about it for fear of being judged. With a growing number of Americans experiencing mental health symptoms, what better time than now to raise awareness. The more we talk about mental health, the more normalized it will become.

Fast Facts

• • • • • • • •

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, and less than half of them receive treatment.

1 in 20 U.S. adults experience a serious mental illness each year, and less than two-thirds of them receive treatment.

1 in 6 U.S. youth experience a mental health condition each year, and only half of them receive treatment.

55% of U.S. counties do not have a single practicing psychiatrist.

1 in 5 young people report that the pandemic had a significant negative impact on their mental health.

1 in 10 young people under age 18 experience a mental health condition following a COVID-19 diagnosis.

31% increase in mental health-related emergency department visits among U.S. adolescents in 2020 60% of Americans are concerned about the stigma around mental illness.

Take a Mental Health Test - Mental Health America Mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety are real, common, and treatable. Brief screenings are one of the quickest ways to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a mental health professional. These screenings are anonymous and confidential. Immediately following the questionnaire, you will see your results as well as recommendations for support resources.

If you are experiencing difficulties with mental and emotional wellbeing, Concern is here for you 24/7. Call 800.344.4222 to request assistance.

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We know that eating a balanced diet and getting enough exercise is vital to physical health and wellbeing. But did you know that good physical habits may be just as important for mental health?

The Belly – Brain Connection A growing body of evidence shows that food choices can affect our mood and may play a role in the management and prevention of specific mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.

Here are a few brain-healthy eating tips to consider.

Stay hydrated. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Dehydration can cause fatigue and contribute to mood swings and poor performance. Avoid sugary drinks and be aware of your caffeine intake. Sugary drinks have empty calories which contribute to weight gain, and excessive caffeine can trigger panic attacks in people with anxiety disorders.

Eat a wide variety of foods.

The more varied your diet, the more likely you are to get the nutrients you need. Try to go for a colorful diet —literally.

Plants and fruits of different colors will have different concentrations of healthbuilding nutrients. So, eating the rainbow ensures you’re giving your body and brain a variety of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that will contribute to overall wellbeing.

Go fish. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, and albacore tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega threes have been found to improve thinking, memory, and even mood. As with any nutrient, getting omega-3 fatty acids from real food is best. But, if you don’t care for fish, or have dietary or medical restrictions, talk to your doctor about potential supplements.

Feed your gut. Everything you consume feeds not only your body and brain, but the trillions of good bacteria that live in your gut. These colonies in our digestive tract are essential to maintaining a healthy immune system and maximizing the nutrients from the foods we eat.

Supplementing our diet with beneficial bacteria has been shown to increase the health and biodiversity in our guts, so consider including fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, active-culture yogurt, and even dark chocolate. Yep. Chocolate is a fermented food. Who knew?

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