MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
As we wrap up September, I want to express my excitement for one of our District's most beloved events: the Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival! This weekend, we celebrate 30 incredible years of this iconic fall tradition.
On October 5-6, Elk Grove Park will transform into a vibrant hub of family fun, featuring giant pumpkin growers competing for a $7,000 top prize, carnival rides, arts and crafts, local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and the iconic Pumpkin Regatta.
This milestone anniversary is a testament to our District's commitment to community engagement and the tireless efforts of our staff. I'm grateful for your hard work in making this event a cherished tradition for Elk Grove families.
As we welcome thousands of visitors to our park, I encourage you to join in the festivities and invite your loved ones to experience the magic of the Giant Pumpkin Festival. Let's make this 30th anniversary one to remember!
Thank you for your dedication to our community.
2024 OPEN ENROLLMENT, YOUR BENEFITS, YOUR CHOICE
The 2024 Open Enrollment period is here!
From September 16, 2024, to October 11, 2024, you have the opportunity to make changes to your CalPERS Health, Delta Dental, VSP Vision, and American Fidelity plans.
American Fidelity Appointments
To continue, enroll, or change your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Dependent Day Care Account for the new calendar year, schedule an appointment with American Fidelity through their online scheduler:
https://enroll.americanfidelity.com/36DEA B59
In-Person Benefits Fair
Join us on October 8, 2024, at Elk Grove
Park Pavilion for:
•12:00 pm - 12:15 pm: Free pizza
•12:15 pm - 1:00 pm: Benefits presentation and Q&A
•1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Meet vendors and enter the raffle
Action Required
If you don't want to make changes to your CalPERS Health, Delta Dental, or Vision Services Plan coverage, no action is needed. To make changes, submit them electronically through eSuites.
Questions?
In-person appointments: October 1 and 3, 2024
Virtual appointments: October 2 and 4, 2024
Contact Kiley Quinlivan at (209) 663-8332 or Kiley.Quinlivan@americanfidelity.com with questions.
Contact Human Resources at CSDHR@cosumnescsd.gov or refer to the OEAction Guide and Benefits Guide.
Take advantage of this opportunity to review and adjust your benefits to suit your needs.
457 PLAN UPDATES
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve your benefits, we're excited to announce significant updates to the District's 457 Plan, effective October 1, 2024. These changes aim to provide greater flexibility and better meet your needs.
Three Key Updates:
1.Lower
In-Service Distribution Age
We're reducing the minimum age requirement to access your 457 Plan funds while still employed from 70½ to 59½ years old. This change aligns with 401(k) limits, offering more retirement planning options.
2.In-Plan Roth Conversions
You'll now have the option to convert 457 funds to Roth holdings, allowing you to pay taxes upfront and potentially reduce taxes in retirement. Nationwide will administer the plans, and detailed instructions will follow.
3.Increased Cash Out Limit Provision
To streamline administrative processes, we're raising the minimum balance requirement to maintain a 457 account after leaving the District from $5,000 to $7,000. Balances below this threshold will be rolled into a different fund as part of the offboarding process.
What This Means for You
These updates provide:
•Greater flexibility in retirement planning
•More options for tax management
•Streamlined administrative processes
Review the updated plan summary for further details.
Questions?
We have a Nationwide representative you can reach out to directly with any questions or concerns:
David F. Reed Phone: (614) 435-8492
Email: David.Reed@Nationwide.com
OASIS PARK RECOGNITION
In the August edition of LandscapeArchitect and Specifier News, Oasis Park was featured as “A great example of how parks improve people’s lives, promote a sense of community, and contribute to a healthier and happier future. It’s not just a park, but a shining example of what a community can achieve by working together to achieve a common vision. The success of the park stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various partners, whose shared vision and unwavering commitment to excellence have resulted in the creation of community space that embodies the spirit of Elk Grove."
Oasis Park consists of two different playground areas for ages 2-5 and 5-12, six pickleball courts, two tennis courts, a water play park, covered overhead space with picnic tables and BBQ grills, a shaded sandbox with water table and cement ping-pong table, Fitness equipment, a large dog park, a large grassy area for soccer, and a 4,300square-foot recreational center for rental and for our Tiny Tot Preschool to serve the community.
SEPTEMBER 11
Engine 71 personnel raised the Freedom Flag at the Cosumnes CSD Administration Building to honor the nearly 3,000 victims of the 9/11 attacks. The U.S. and Freedom Flags were flown at half-staff until sunset on September 11th and are now at full-staff through the remainder of September 2024.
In addition to this tribute, several Cosumnes Firefighters, along with Firefighters from around the region, participated in the annual 9/11 Stair Climb in Sacramento. This event brings together firefighters from all over California to climb 110 flights of stairs, wearing the name patch and carrying the biography of one of the 343 fallen firefighters from that day. Their mission is to place the name patch in the Twin Towers locker at the rooftop, symbolizing the completion of their journey. This powerful tradition honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as their families who continue on despite the void left behind. The Cosumnes Fire Department is honored to be a part of this meaningful tribute.
U-MATTER PT-STAFF RECOGNITION EVENT
On August 14, the District hosted the annual U-Matter Part Time Staff Awards and Recognition event at Laguna Town Hall, attended by Board President Luttrell and Director Sakaris. This special event is dedicated to celebrating the invaluable contributions of Cosumnes CSD’s parttime staff, who play a crucial role in the District’s success and in enhancing community well-being. Each Department took the opportunity to honor a standout staff member with the Award of Excellence. These awards were given to those who have gone above and beyond in their roles, highlighting their exceptional commitment and contributions.
The event not only showcased the hard work of these outstanding staff members but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and pride within the District. It was a fitting tribute to the dedication and excellence that each part-time staff member brings to their role.
UPDATE ON DISTRICT POLICIES
The District is implementing changes to enhance transparency and clarity surrounding policies, improving efficiency and overall experience for all. Vector Solutions will be used to announce newly finalized policies, while the intranet will remain the central repository for all finalized policies. The weekly Leadership Team call will provide updates on the status of policies in review, including their current stage: under review, assigned in Vector Solutions, or published on the intranet.
HOT SUMMER NIGHTS CONCERT SERIES
The District concluded its popular Hot August Nights Concert Series, hosting five concerts every Friday in August at Laguna Town Hall. Over 400 community members attended each night, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
The lineup featured a mix of pop and country genres, offering something for every musical taste. Attendees of all ages enjoyed unforgettable nights of live music, building lasting connections with friends and neighbors as they sang along to favorite tunes and created cherished memories.
COMMUNITY CAMPOUT
The Annual Community Campout was held under the stars on the first weekend of August. Over 300 Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, along with community members gathered in Elk Grove Park, where activities included archery, crafts, leatherworking, scavenger hunts, and air rockets took place.
Gratitude goes to our community partners, who helped make the event unforgettable.
The Elk Grove Lions provided melas, while the American Legion Post 55 kept everyone hydrated. The Kiwanis brought treats, the Laguna Sunrise Rotary offered Gatorade, and the Pride of Laguna Lions treated everyone to campfire S'mores.
TEEN EVENTS
Teen Pathways (Measure E) hosted two exciting events. On August 17, their second Teen Takeover brought 10 teens together for a Saturday night of games and fun in the teen center and gym. Later, on August 23, the 2nd annual Summer Bash at Wackford drew about 80 teens, offering pizza, snacks, Kona Ice, a photo booth, basketball inflatable, DJ entertainment, and various free play activities.
RAD PROGRAMMING
These events provided fun and safe environments for teens to connect with friends and enjoy recreational activities. Additionally, Teen Pathways staff participated in Back-to-School nights at Elizabeth Pinkerton Middle School and Harriet Eddy Middle School. This helped promote the District's After School Program and Teen Fall Enrichment classes, ensuring students and parents are aware of valuable opportunities to enhance their after-school experiences.
The District's RAD Program had a busy August, hosting several popular events and classes. Over 100 RAD participants attended the Glow Party, RAD Pickleball, Open Gym, Yoga, Zumba, Fitness Club, and RAD Swim classes.
These events offered something for everyone, promoting socialization, recreation, and wellness within our community.
PROMOTIONS
Timory Moritz – ManagementAnalyst
SEPARATIONS
Ryan Hopkins – Fire Mechanic
UPCOMING EVENTS
Gian Pumpkin Festival
October 5 & 6
EG Park
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Pool of Pumpkins
October 19
Elk GroveAquatics Center
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Teen Pathways Fall Formal
October 19
Laguna Town Hall
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Ages 15-18
Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
October 19
Elk Grove Park
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Hallo-Palooza (Trunk or Treat)
October 25
District 56
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Free Movies in the Park
October 26
South Lichtenberger Park
Food trucks: 5:00 pm | Movie: dusk
STAFF HIGHLIGHT
Our Staff Highlight for this month is Tiffany Piper. Tiffany has been with the District since March 2022 and brings over 20 years of experience in local government.
As a dedicated Risk Manager, Tiffany is committed to her role and to the wellbeing of her community. Outside of work, she loves spending quality time with her two daughters, aged 7 and 17, and her sweet golden doodle, Wendy Darling.
Her favorite pastimes include hiking, beach outings, lazy pool days, and engaging in fun gym challenges. Recently, Tiffany has also taken up golfing, adding yet another enjoyable activity to her diverse list of hobbies.
