Folsom, CA August 2024 by City Lifestyle

Kids and Pets bring pure joy to our lives!

I always look forward to this issue. I think it's because kids bring so much joy to their families and communities. They're not just the future; they're the foundation of our society. Their innocence, curiosity, and potential can really change Folsom, and the world!

And let's not forget about pets! They bring a special kind of companionship that's transformative for both kids and adults. Pets teach us about unconditional love and help us grow in so many ways. The bond between kids and their furry or feathered friends is really something special, teaching empathy, responsibility, and companionship. Our partners at Fidelis K9 know a thing or two about this! You will learn more about this later in the issue.

I still remember my childhood pet, Merlin. He was a Newfoundland, and my husband makes fun of me for this, but he's absolutely the best dog that ever lived. I love that breed so incredibly much, we now have a Newfy-Doodle in our home. This 150 lb lump of fur is a huge (literally and figuratively) part of our family.

Both kids and pets rely on us for care and attention. How we nurture them really shapes who they become. I hope this issue inspires you to give a little extra love to the kids and pets in your life this month.

August 2024

PUBLISHER

Tiffany Bellingrath | tiffany.bellingrath@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lisa Wolf | lisa.wolf@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Devera Handy | devera.handy@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Brittney Herrera | brittney.herrera@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Melissa Strand, Jessica Shona-Stewart

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Rafael Florea

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Mother Lode Epic bike race down Sutter Street 2: Beach Hut Deli and Warfighter Overwatch at FCL/PCL Event 3: Mind Garden opens up for yoga and wellness on Sutter Street 4: Offset Marketing at FCL/PCL Networking Event 5: Sterling Forbes and Cynthia Bazin at Folsom City Lifestyle / Prairie City Landing Event 6: FCL’s Terryn and Brittney serving up Beach Hut Deli and Casino Mine Ranch Wine 7: Mother Lode Epic Bike Race

METZGER

FOLSOM

Luxury, research-backed substance use and mental health treatment.

In a space designed by mental health professionals and hoteliers of 5-star resorts in a gated minimansion hidden in a local and secluded area surrounded by trees

- Confidential and private

- Onsite psychologist and licensed therapist

- Clinicians onsite 7 days a week

- Psychiatrist Medical Director

- Neuro and trauma trained staff

- Private rooms surrounded by trees, king-size beds

- Views of our beautiful 2 acres

- Yoga, acupuncture, and other ancillary services

- Lifetime Alumni Group Membership

- Private pay, in network with Kaiser, work with all major insurances

DATE: AUGUST 21ST

TIME: 6:00 PM

LOCATION:

business monthly

Ben's Barketplace

With over 80 brands of dog and cat food in store, Ben's Barketplace is Northern California’s #1 source for raw dog and cat food. Count on their nutritional experts to guide you through your options. You can be sure the food you buy at Ben’s Barketplace is top-of-the-line and the healthiest choice you can make for your pets. Also, try their do-it-yourself wash system. Save time, money, and mess. BensBarketPlace.com

Rainbow Kids Pediatric Urgent Care

Rainbow Kids provides exceptional pediatric care in an Urgent Care setting. They believe it takes a village to raise happy, healthy children and Rainbow Kids is grateful to be a part of that village. Rainbowkidsurgentcare.com

My Fancy Claws

My Fancy Claws is a pet boutique vendor at 307 Riley Street in Historic Folsom. They carry fun items for your pets like bully sticks, barkuterie boards, sunglasses, and Crocs for pets. They work with local businesses like Itsie Bitsie Rescue and PetSmart to rescue, foster, and find good homes for cats and dogs. All proceeds from the boutique space go towards this effort. @MyFancyClaws

Photography by My Fancy Claws Boutique

Photography by Rainbow Kids Urgent Care

Photography by Ben’s Barketplace DIY Pet Wash

the CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Pet Shop

Pampered Pet Salon and Boutique MyPamperedPetSalon.com | 916.987.1899

Folsom Dog Resort FolsomDogResort.com | 916.439.7202

Ben's Barketplace BensBarketplace.com | 916.597.0220

sBarkles sBarkles.com | 916.984.0102

PetSmart PetSmart.com | 916.984.4748

Kid's Activity

BusyKids Play Town and Coffee Shop BusyKidsPlay.com | 916.608.8850

Sutter Street Theatre SutterStreetTheatre.com | 916.353.1001

Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary FolsomZooFriends.org | 916.461.6629

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Dave & Buster's Folsom DaveandBusters.com | 916.293.0000

Folsom Lake Bowl FLB365.com | 916.983.4411

Photography by Jacqueline Pilar

ARTICLE BY MELISSA STRAND

Creativity Drawn to

ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD SKETCH ARTIST SHOWS HIS ART LOCALLY

Nathan Strand, an eleven-year-old with an imagination as vast as his heart, has been passionate about drawing since he was four. Never without his trusty mechanical pencils and sketch pads, Nathan is always ready to dive into a new drawing whenever inspiration strikes, with his unique sketch-style art breathing life and movement into countless creations.

Nathan sold his first sketch at the age of nine during an art show at Badfish Coffee Orangevale, where his work remained on display for several months. Michael Ryan, Manager and Curator of Red Bus Brewing Company Art Gallery in Folsom, met Nathan at this event and has since been instrumental in providing him with opportunities to showcase his talent, giving this young artist the confidence to grow. Michael shares, “The first time I saw Nathan’s art, I knew it would fit in perfectly at Red Bus Brewing Company Art Gallery. Just different enough to be noticed.” After meeting Nathan and his family, that sealed the deal! This young man continues to make Red Bus Brewing Company Art Gallery what it is today, a success. Since then, Nathan has been invited to showcase his art at the Red Bus Brewing Company Art Gallery, proving to be a successful and highly regarded platform for his work.

CONTINUED >

Nathan Strand

His exhibitions there have been met with great acclaim, held in their meticulously maintained art gallery renowned for its lively ambiance and flourishing art community. These shows have been a resounding success, with two occasions seeing all his framed sketches purchased in full by enthusiastic collectors.

Nathan nurtures his creativity daily and has an innate ability to convey emotions and tell stories through his art. Nathan shares, “I love it when I get an idea and I make it come to life by drawing it.” His passion lies not just in selling his art, but in immersing himself in the world of his creations, where he truly feels at home. For Nathan, drawing is a source of comfort, solace, and peace, providing an escape whenever he needs a moment to himself. Nathan's favorite subjects to draw include robots, monsters, mythological creatures, skeletons, and superheroes.

When not immersed in his sketchbook, Nathan enjoys writing stories with his brother Liam, hiking, and exploring nature. His dream is to one day become a writer and illustrator of his own books and an animator for Pixar, allowing him to pursue his passions every day. For now, he appreciates his opportunity to shine at Red Bus Brewing Company Art Gallery, with a grateful heart and his pencil poised for his next creation.

Dedicated

Strategic

In-network

Over

years of expertise in psychological growth

UNLOCK PEACE OF MIND

SUMMER PET TIPS WITH FIDELIS K9

Keeping Pets Safe and Cool on Hot Summer Days

ARTICLE BY LISA WOLF WITH PATRICK SMITH

1. TIPS FOR HOT DAYS

Make sure your dog always has fresh cool water. On extremely hot days, take walks either early in the morning or later in the evening when it has cooled down. Give your dog a shady place to get out of the sun. Kiddie pools are fun ways to cool dogs down.

2. HOW ABOUT WATER SAFETY?

Most importantly always keep your eye on your dog. Long leads are nice to keep a safe controlled distance while your dog plays in or near the water. Otherwise, life vests will help keep your dog afloat and provide visibility while they are in the water.

3. HOW CAN FIDELIS K9 HELP?

We believe each dog, human, and situation is unique, so we use different training techniques, tools, and positive reinforcement to maximize your sessions with us. FidelisK9Training.com

“We believe a happy dog makes a happy owner which leads to happy training for all.” - Patrick Smith, Fidelis K9 Training

Getting Cool in the Pool

a Bright Colored Life Vest

Postive Reinforcement

ARTICLE BY JESSICA SHONA-STEWART

KEEPING KIDS BUSY BEFORE THEY GO BACK TO SCHOOL

KID-FRIENDLY FUN IN FOLSOM

With summer break ending soon, there are still plenty of activities to squeeze in before the kiddos head back to school.

BusyKids Playtown and Coffee Shop in Folsom is one of the many fun activities both kids and their parents can

“WITH

BusyKids offers many fun activities such as enrichment classes, art labs, yoga classes, and field trips. In addition, there are several birthday packages offered. BusyKids does all the planning for you including food,

SUMMER BREAK ENDING SOON, THERE ARE STILL PLENTY OF ACTIVITIES TO SQUEEZE IN BEFORE THE KIDDOS HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL.”

participate in at any time of the year. Established in 2012 by owner Jessica Thomas, BusyKids has always been a place where children can take advantage of a multitude of activities while also strengthening their brain and social development. BusyKids is known for their “Playtown" which is an imaginary city-like play space that replicates historical businesses in Folsom. Playtown helps children take a hands-on approach while learning and having fun. Although BusyKids has a heavy emphasis around children, parents are welcome to join the fun too! There is a quiet co-working space and a spacious waiting area with a mini childfriendly cafe. Parents are invited to use the espresso bar or indulge in other beverages. If you are feeling hungry, the cafe also offers a snack menu that both adults and kids enjoy.

drinks, and entertainment for kids and adults. Outside of school hours, BusyKids is a great option for any day of the week.

Another fun and enriching summer (and beyond) activity is the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. Lions, tigers, and bears aren’t the only animals kids get to check out when visiting the Folsom Zoo, there are over 100 different animals to see there. This local gem has been a family favorite since its establishment in 1963. The Sanctuary offers Zoo Camps where children ages 8 to 15 learn from a behind-the-scenes experience. There are two different camps families are welcome to attend: One is the “Junior Zookeeper Camp” where ages 8-11 are invited to attend the camp and get a first-hand experience on zookeeping. Campers will help clean exhibits, prepare diets for the animals,

CONTINUED >

and do other fun activities like making piñatas or puzzles with treats for the animals. The “Senior Zookeeper Camp” is an advanced camp for older kids that offers a slightly different kind of learning experience. Campers will also help with cleaning enclosures, preparing meals, and making treats too, but, the “Senior Zookeeper” campers will also learn about both wild and domestic animal behaviors, as well as animal health, caregiving, and training.

There’s nothing quite like a visit to the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, a tradition and a local treasure to visit and support for the good they do for wild animal rescue and rehabilitation.

Summers at the Steve Miklos Aquatic Center are a joyous memory for those who grew up in Folsom. Kids of all ages can enjoy all that this entertaining local resource has to offer, including their

“KIDS OF ALL AGES CAN ENJOY ALL THAT THIS ENTERTAINING LOCAL RESOURCE HAS TO OFFER.”

well-known three-story tall waterslide and their kid-friendly water play park area. Not to mention the infamous high-diving boards that only the bravest dare to jump off of. The Steve Miklos Aquatic Center is open year-round for swim lessons for those ages 16 and older.

During the fall, spring, and summer, children of all ages fill the pools for swim lessons, races, and recreation. When they need a break, there is a snack bar offering classic snack items and frozen dessert options to help cool down from the summer heat. The Steve Miklos Aquatic Center is a great place for families to either take a break from the heat or learn and improve their swimming skills.

Only the tip of the iceberg for fun things to do with kids in summer, but we felt these three were great for family-friendly fun and enriching activities in Folsom.

Photo by Rafael Florea

Steve Miklos Aquatic Center

ENJOYING SUMMER

In the moments between fishing in our pond and swimming in the pool, our family will celebrate birthdays and have outdoor parties. True to form, I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way. My beach ball garland is a spin off of the traditional balloon garland. Everyone uses balloon garlands… so let’s make one out of beach balls instead! Everyone serves a birthday cake… how about one carved out of a watermelon for a crazy twist?? I hope you join me in the making of these fun additions to a party!

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

LEANN PARKER

Beach Ball Garland

Have you ever noticed that when blown up, beach balls have a little plastic loop that forms where they are blown up and sealed? It makes for the perfect place to string twine through and use as an outdoor “balloon” garland! String it up, add some extra beach balls to the pool or yard and you have all the party decorations you need!

Materials

• 2 packs of assorted sized beach balls

• (assorted 20”, 16” and 12” for a total of 36)

• 1 pack of mini beach balls (5” sized, total of 25)

• Thin rope or twine

• Air pump

Instructions

1. Using an air pump, blow up all the beach balls... It takes a while!

2. Arrange inflated beach balls in a line on the ground, alternating sizes as you go.

3. Starting on one end, thread your string or twine through the blow loop of each beach ball until you reach the end.

4. Tie each end of your beach ball garland to a post or tack to a wall.

Watermelon Cake

A cake that you could eat for breakfast! Made only of fruit and (if you want to go real crazy) some fresh mint and whipped cream too. A few years ago we started making watermelon cakes for our summer birthday celebrations due to one of our little ones suffering from food allergies. In order to make a cake that even she could enjoy, the watermelon cake was born in our lives. Even if you don’t have family or guests with food allergies, this cake is a thriller and loved by all!

Ingredients

• 2 large watermelons

• Assortment of berries and fruit

• 4 wooden skewers

• Toothpicks

• Whipped Cream (optional)

• Fresh Mint (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep both watermelons by cutting off the rinds and sculpting to create a cylinder shape with a flat top and bottom. Make the bottom cylinder bigger and the top cylinder slightly smaller.

2. Stack your smaller watermelon on top of the larger using wooden skewers to support the center.

3. Use assorted berries and fruit to decorate the outside of your watermelon cake. For the sides of the cake, use toothpicks to help the berries stay in place.

4. Serve alone or with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.

“I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way.”

realty report

As a Folsom resident specializing in luxury real estate with Sotheby’s International Realty I am positioned to cater to luxury property homeowners as well as clients seeking high-end properties, leveraging the brand's reputation and resources

With over 20 years as a dedicated real estate agent, I've established myself as a consistent top producer and proud Lifetime member of the Masters Club, Sacramento Association of Realtors My approach is rooted in a passion for delivering tailored services to each client, understanding that each transaction is as unique as the individuals involved

Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.

ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

STYLED BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”

Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “That, in turn, fosters an environment where the next time a family hosts Thanksgiving or has friends over, the owner and their dogs fall into the habit of obeying commands because of the confidence built through all the work put in beforehand.”

Even dogs with a troubled history can achieve improvement.

“We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.

• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it , but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.

• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.

DOG

SOCIALIZING TIPS:

• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.

• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.

Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.

• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.

• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.

• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.

• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.

HOW TO THROW A BIRTHDAY BASH FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS:

DOG gone GOOD

Try these simple and healthy homemade treats for your furry friends. Not only are they easy to make, they are nutritious and seemingly delicious.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter

• 2 eggs

• 2 1/2 cups flour (whole wheat preferred)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except flour and blend well. Gradually add the flour until the dough isn’t sticky. Roll dough into a ball. Lightly flour your surface and lightly knead. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters and place dough on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with peanut butter (optional).

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup milk or half and half

• 3 cups oatmeal

Directions:

In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter and milk on medium for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups oatmeal and stir. Use a small scoop or spoon to create 1/4 inch balls. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup oats to lightly top. Place into a closed container and refrigerate.

Birthday Cake for Your Pup

Ingredients:

• 1 egg

• 4 tablespoons peanut butter

• 1/2 cup apple, finely chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a ramekin and set aside. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into ramekin and sprinkle a few apple slices on top. Bake for 20 minutes.

WEEKLY

Regular Folsom Events

Folsom

Thursday Nights, 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm Twilight Concerts at Zittel Amphitheater in Historic Folsom

Friday Nights, 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm Friday Night Live Music in the Palladio Piazza

Wednesdays, 9 am to 1 pm Palladio Farmer's Market

Saturdays, 8 am to 1 pm Historic Folsom Farmer's Market

AUGUST 4TH

Historic Folsom's 11th Annual Peach Festival

Historic Folsom | 9:00 AM

All things peach in Historic Folsom. Food, games, vendors, and family fun in the Plaza. HistoricFolsom.org

AUGUST 15TH

The Spinners

Harris Center Center for the Arts | 7:30 PM

The Spinners created and came to define the smooth sound of Philadelphia Soul with smash singles like “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” “Then Came You,” “The Rubberband Man,” “Working My Way Back To You,” and many more. HarrisCenter.net

Quality Care, Love, and Learning

“Miss Jenny is a fantastic educator, but at this point she’s also an extension of our family, my husband and I are so thankful for all she does for us and our children!”

- Hanna