MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
In my first few weeks as Acting General Manager I've been consistently reminded why the Cosumnes CSD is such a special organization. The work that all of you do to make our community better is inspiring. I am both humbled and proud to be in this role at a place I've been fortunate to be a part of since 2005, but now see from a new perspective. The recent Giant Pumpkin Festival (GPF) is a perfect example, having grown from a small harvest celebration to one of Elk Grove's signature events, attracting an estimated 41,000 guests this year.
The festival's growth is a testament to your teamwork. The annual District-wide event is a collaborative effort, bringing together the Parks and Recreation Department, Fire Department, Administrative Services Department, and the Office of the General Manager to create a memorable experience. Each department contributes its unique expertise, ensuring a safe, engaging, and wellcoordinated event. From setting up booths to coordinating logistics, managing vendors, and maintaining essential services behind the scenes, every department plays a vital role—and the results are evident.
I'm impressed by the dedication and adaptability shown by our staff during the festival, particularly in the face of Sacramento's unprecedented October heat wave. Your ability to think on your feet and work together ensured the event's success.
I look forward to all the exciting District events to occur as we move into the holiday season. Our community engagement initiatives, including fire camps, recreation programs, toy drives, and holiday events, are made possible because of your enthusiasm and commitment.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication to Cosumnes CSD. I look forward to working with you over the next few months as I serve as Acting General Manager and seeing the impact we'll make together.
With sincere appreciation,
SigridAsmundson Acting General Manager
NURSERY VISIT
In September, personnel from Park Operations visited Devil Mountain Nursery, a wholesale nursery located near Clements, CA. The nursery is known for its innovative propagation and growing techniques, which ensure undisturbed root growth from seedlings through sale day, a quality that differentiates them from other nurseries and provides the highest quality and health of the plants. They offer many unique varieties of trees and shrubs, as well as many California native plants. The District plans to purchase trees and plants for future plantings throughout Elk Grove as part of our continuing effortstosupportlocalbusinesses.
SOCKTOBER
As we approach the colder months let us remember those in need and provide them with some warmth this coming holiday season. The District is partnering with the EGUSD SAFE program to provide new items to students in need. We have set up collection bins at several District locations to collect new socks, hats, mittens, and scarves; please see the flyer for more details. Items will be donated to EGUSD students experiencing homelessness or in transitional housing. We have been faithful and generous in providing these resources for the past 3 years, let’s keep up with the tradition and knock their socks off with a record donation year!
ROCKY FEATURED IN CPRS MAGAZINE FALL 2024
This fall, CPRS Magazine proudly recognized the extraordinary contributions of those in the parks and recreation industry with an article featuring CPRS Parks and Recreation Heroes. Amongst the honorees featured was Rocky, who served as a dedicated member of the Emerald Lakes Golf Course. To read more about Rocky see the article below or you can check out the full article in CPRS Magazine.
TINY TOT PRESCHOOL FALL FIELD TRIPS
Tiny Tot Preschoolers enjoyed a delightful fall field trip to the Pumpkin Patch! The fouryear-old classes visited Fog Willow Farms while the three-year-olds explored Keema’s Pumpkin Patch. The preschoolers experienced an up-close view of various farm animals, eagerly brushing a fluffy sheep and petting adorable pygmy goats, a gentle horse, and a curious tortoise. Meanwhile, the teachers had the unique opportunity to bottle-feed a charming 10-day-old baby calf! It was a memorable day filled with laughter, learning, and plenty of furry friends!
WEBSITE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Are you a website content creator or editor, or looking to become one? The Website Governance Group (WGG) wants to hear from you!
Share Your Feedback
Please take a few minutes to complete the employeesurvey regarding website training needs by November 15, 2024. Your input will help shape website training for employees.
Existing Resources
To get started, explore these helpful resources:
Intranet: Find information and support
Civic Engage Help Pages: Detailed, step-by-step tutorials for all modules and site tools
Stay tuned for upcoming training developments!
HEALTHY KIDS EXTRAVAGANZA
The Healthy Kids Extravaganza was an exciting and engaging family event offered at no cost. Children of all ages had a blast learning to swim, exploring nutritious foods, trying various sports, playing carnival games, and gaining essential water safety skills. With over 350 attendees, the event was a resounding success, featuring free giveaways, a visit from the local fire department, and complimentary swimming. It was a day filled with fun, learning, and community spirit!
WACKFORD SLIDE
In September, we received our first shipment of parts for Wackford’s Waterslide. This is one of many highlights coming our way!
FALL INTO WELLNESS
As the seasons change, let's prioritize our well-being together. Here are some simple ways to boost your health and happiness this fall:
• Take a walk during your lunch break and enjoy the fall colors.
• Stay hydrated and energized with healthy snacks.
• Schedule time for self-care, whether that's reading, meditation, or spending quality time with loved ones.
UPCOMING EVENTS
RAD Super Hero Breakfast
November 2
Albiani Recreation Center 8:45 am - 11:00 am
Linda & Don Veninga Park Dedication & Opening
November 7
9149 Elliot Springs Drive 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
eSports Tournament
November 9
Albiani Recreation Center
Bloomfest
November 10
Elk Grove Park
Veteran’s Day Parade
November 11 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
CSDAdmin to EG Park (Picnic to follow)
All Staff Thanksgiving Potluck
November 20
Wackford Valley Oak Ballroom 11:30 am- 1:00 pm
Flannels & Flapjacks
December 7
Elk Grove Park 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Hannah Green HRAnalyst
Jiban Das Asset Manager
PROMOTIONS/TRANSFER
Lauren Hatch –AdministrativeAnalyst
Eduardo Perez Puentes – Sr. Park Maintenance Worker
Ashika Kumar –Accounting Specialist
Carlos Zuniga –Assistant Park Ranger
RaeAnn DeHart –AdministrativeAnalyst (Transfer)
SEPARATIONS
Robbie Edwards – Preschool Teacher
STAFF HIGHLIGHT
Our Staff Highlight this month is Jillian Chavez, the District’s Budget Manager since March 2023. Jillian is an Elk Grove native with a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in accounting. Her family consists of her husband of 11 years (Luis) and their two boys, Oliver (5) and Sebastian (3). However, she also considers herself fortunate to have a large tribe of local family and a close network of friends. Her hobbies include camping with her family, reading with her book club, golfing every Friday afternoon at Emerald Lakes or Bradshaw Ranch, and spending quality time with the people she loves. Her favorite things are to see her children smile and have fun, shopping at Costco, Taylor Swift, enjoying the great outdoors.
