Have questions about withdrawing funds, converting your account or generating income?
Nifty Nook offers gifts and an opportunity to give back
Gain experienced guidance while ensuring your retirement accounts are following your investment strategy. Contact me today, and let’s make sure you’re still on the right track. Joshua Fournier
Robin Lane #120 Cameron Park, CA 95682 530-676-9422
Personalized service means having a financial advisor who understands you and what you’re trying to achieve, and helps to create a unique strategy based on your needs and circumstances. Contact us now to start your journey toward financial freedom. Joshua Fournier
Personalized service means having a financial advisor who understands you and what you’re trying to achieve, and helps to create a unique strategy based on your needs and circumstances.
3439 Robin Lane #120 Cameron Park, CA 95682 530-676-9422 Your
Have questions about withdrawing funds, converting your account or generating income?
Contact us now to start your journey toward financial freedom.
Gain experienced guidance while ensuring your retirement accounts are following your investment strategy. Contact me today, and let’s make sure you’re still on the right track.
Shelly Thorene Staff writer
If you’re looking for locally created, handmade gi , with the added bene t of donating to a good cause, the Ni y Nook at 4100 Cameron Park Drive, Suite 111, is just the place.
Gain experienced guidance while ensuring your retirement accounts are following your investment strategy. Contact me today, and let’s make sure you’re still on the right track.
Joshua Fournier
Fournier
3439 Robin Lane #120 Cameron Park, CA 95682 530-676-9422
#120
Julie Miller, owner, says she likes to refer to items in her Cameron park shop as “rustic-retro” due to the wide variety of items supplied by 40 di erent vendors. Miller has a set of piggy banks at the register for donations and each quarter Miller also makes a donation from her sales to a di erent animal rescue organization. There are three rooms total and customers are greeted by the resident feline named Ni y, who has a comfortable throne near the register and serves as a mascot for the Ni y Nook’s fundraising e orts. Ni y is a rescue and when Village Life visited she was set to give birth soon.
Handmade items, including soaps, jellies and jam, honey, beef tallow products, along with vintage collectibles, jewelry, clothing and much more combine to make the space feel like an antique store mixed with a farmers market plus a dash of thri store.
Beautifully cra ed handmade ceram-
ics made by the
line several
Mary
of the
is
rooms
up like a
the
and clothing prices start at $6.99. There are boxes with free items, including boots and shoes, and a bookshelf in the closet features a variety of books for $1.75 each.
One of Miller’s vendors donated a large collection of nearly new women’s shoes purchased in Beverly Hills, size 6 1/2 and 7. Proceeds from the shoes’ sales go to children’s foster care and animal shelters in El Dorado County. Michelle Armbrust of Sacramento is Miller’s aunt and also a vendor supplying gently used antique items to the shop. She praised the Ni y Nook saying, “It’s a wonderful place with such a wide variety, from old to new and it supports local cra ers.”
Specials at the store include $5 Fridays where most clothing is $5 and Miller occasionally o ers free popcorn and free cotton candy. She plans to host cra ing events for up to six people at a time later this fall.
Donations of gently used clothing and knick knacks are accepted by contacting Miller ahead of time. The hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
Village Life photo by Shelly Thorene
Julie Miller of El Dorado Hills, owner of the Nifty Nook, stands in the closet portion of the business that features handmade items by local artisans and an eclectic mix of new and used goods.
store’s main artist,
Cargile,
shelves in one
three
in
shop. Another room
set
walk-in closet
Shingle Springs Cameron Park
SHINGLE SPRINGS~CAMERON PARK Chamber of Commerce
President’s Corner
Colette Thiel
It’s Back-to-School season already—summer just flew by!
As you check o those school supply lists, we encourage you to shop local and support the businesses that make our community strong.
As we continue to grow our Chamber membership, we want to take a moment to thank all of our renewing members—your continued support makes a lasting impact on our local business community.
Being a Chamber member o ers valuable benefits. Here are the top 5 reasons to be a part of the Chamber:
1 Increased Visibility – Get your business noticed through our events, website, and referrals.
2 Networking Opportunities – Build meaningful connections at mixers, ribbon cuttings, and community events.
3 Credibility – Chamber membership adds trust and recognition to your business.
4 Advocacy – We represent and support the interests of local businesses with government and community leaders.
5 Business Resources – Access marketing tools, educational workshops, and promotional support.
Don’t miss our upcoming events!
August Networking Mixer – Thursday, August 7 at Casa Los Abuelos, starting at 5:30 PM. Bring a ra e prize to showcase your business!
Monthly Networking Luncheon – Wednesday, August 28, featuring Assemblyman Joe Patterson
Save the Date! We’re excited to host our inaugural Bags and Beers Cornhole Tournament—a fundraising event to benefit the Chamber—on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Shingle Springs Community Center. We’re looking for sponsors, players, and food trucks to join the fun!
Learn more and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bags-and-beers-cornholetournament-tickets-1371515131679
We’re proud to be your local Chamber and excited for what’s ahead. Not a member yet? Now’s a great time to join us!
Cole e Thiel, President Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce
The SS/CP Chamber Needs Volunteers!
The Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce needs volunteers to spend a few hours a month helping the chamber with its events and management. The payback is helping your local business advocates support the community in which
AUGUST Events
they live and serve, while striving to make Shingle Springs and Cameron Park wonderful places in which to live! We have several key positions opening right now. Get involved today! Please contact Colette Thiel@ ThielHomes.com for more information.
Shingle Springs Cameron Park
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
July (Fridays to Sundays) –CP Rotary Club Observatory
July – Support Small Businesses and Keep It Local Shop locally by visiting the various shops and restaurants in El Dorado County!
August 9 – Farmers Market (Now Year ‘Round)
August 16 –
Placerville Third Saturday Art Walk
Free! Enjoy the Art Walk on Placerville’s Main Street between 5-8pm. Artist demos, music at the Bell Tower, wine and drink specials, and more!
From 8:30pm to 10:30 pm, weather permitting, the observatory is open to the public on weekend evenings. Trained docents show the many celestial wonders of the universe through two 14-inch telescopes. Folsom Lake College, El Dorado Center, Campus Drive (continue through the back parking lots to the left of the observatory gate). For info and closure updates, call (530) 642-5621, Ext. 9.
TSundays between 10am and 1pm, come shop our region’s most popular market with more produce and commodities than ever before. Choose from fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade honey and jams, cheeses, and other household favorites. For more information, contact Jim Coalwell at (530) 622-1900 or email jim@redshack.com.
Join the Chamber
August 28 – SS/CP Chamber Luncheon
Hosted By Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce
August 28, 2025 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM. Come mingle and talk to new faces and have a great lunch! For details, contact Shingle Springs Chamber at (530) 677-8000.
he Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce, originally formed as the Shingle Springs Business and Professional Association, Inc. in December 1967. It works to promote the area, encouraging business and industrial investment to provide the foundation for a solid community. The Chamber’s mission statement re ects this premise: “To advocate, promote and preserve the quality of life in our Chamber Community, by means of a strong, healthy and diverse business community.”
Experience Claude Monet in
Odin Rasco Village Life correspondent
Art lovers and the art-curious have the chance to appreciate and interact with Impressionist masterpieces in an engaging and immersive environment at Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience, now open.
For those of us who may have not taken art classes in college (or opted to take, inexplicably, medieval art history instead of something a bit more modern, as this writer did), Claude Monet was a French artist born in 1840 whose unique eye for composition kickstarted the Impressionist movement. Using visible brushstrokes while emphasizing light and movement and often “everyday” subjects, the Impressionist art movement created reverberations in the art world that continue to ripple along today.
Monet’s works evoke images of wind rustling through tall grass or ruffling the clothes of a woman at times, and at other times captures the look and feel of light dancing on the flowing surface of a body of water. In his 86 years alive, Monet created an impressive trove of works that continue to stir the hearts of onlookers today — it’s likely you recognize some of his works, even if you don’t know it.
The Claude Monet experience allows guests to step into vivid worlds of light and color that turn entire rooms into some of Monet’s most iconic works.
Utilizing Exhibition Hub’s 4K digital mapping tech-
ormer Rolling Hills Middle School student Valentina Cheng, daughter of Yongping Liang, created a beautiful submission for the Celebrating Art contest open to student artists throughout the United States. Valentina’s “Goldfinch” was selected from thousands of entires as one of the 10 best in her grade division (eighth at the time of submission). Art pieces are selected for the creativity, originality, self-expression, craftsmanship and skill. The El Dorado Hills resident joins other Top 10 artists receiving special recognition in the Celebrating Art anthology. CelebratingArt.com and Blick Art Materials sponsor this concert to offer a creative outlet that honors youth, who are too often under-recognized.
by Valentina Cheng
Photo by Odin Rasco
Stepping into the bridge room is a stunning moment as dazzling blues and greens pull Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience guests into an ethereal moment. The two hand-decorated bridges overlook a projection of a pond that brings Monet’s iconic “Water Lilies” series to life.
Welcome to this beautifully updated 2 bedroom (possible 3rd), 2-bathroom townhouse overlooking the picturesque
Cameron Park Country Club golf course and tranquil Deer Creek. Step inside to find an inviting open-concept living and dining area filled with natural light streaming through expansive windows, showcasing sweeping views of the fairway and serene water.
The bright kitchen features modern finishes, ample cabinetry, and a farmhouse sink perfect for everyday living and entertaining. A versatile office space can easily serve as a third bedroom. Enjoy peaceful mornings watching deer and hummingbirds, and unwind on the spacious back deck with stunning views of Hole #11 and the lush landscape.
Seller will include a year long golf club membership to Cameron Park Country Club with full price offer. (contingent on approval by club board), valued at $12,500.
$637,000 $637,000
“Now, let’s see to your execution. Will after luncheon suit you?” Count
a
execution
Opera Theatre of Sacramento’s lively reimagining of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Mikado,” titled “Dracula; or the town of Sibiu.” This delightfully twisted take is one of several can’t-miss live theater productions
up the region this August.
Tropical bulbs
The canna lily, tuberose, gladiolus and dahlia are summer blooming bulbs, corms, rhizomes and tubers that grow well in both tropical environments and the foothills. A bulb is an underground storage unit consisting of a short stem, surrounded by fleshy leaves, that lies dormant over winter. A corm is also an underground storage organ but has a rounded swollen stem at the base of a plant that maintains the plant until it starts to grow. A rhizome, also an underground stem, puts out lateral shoots and adventitious roots. A tuber is the thickened underground part of a rhizome that stores food for the rhizome.
The canna lily is a fast-
Smith UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County
growing rhizome. It can grow to 6 to 8 feet tall and produces large colorful flowers. It has banana shaped leaves. Plant the canna lily rhizomes in rich soil, 1-2 feet apart, between February and April, where it will get at least four hours of sun. It needs minimal water until it begins to sprout. Give it a good soaking once a week, or more
Into the brambles we go
Laurie Lewis
UCCE Master Food Preserver
The word bramble has been around for hundreds of years, generally referring to a dense growth of bushes or trees but most often used when talking about blackberry bushes. Have you traversed into a blackberry bramble, leaning side to side pulling off those plump berries as you went?
No one entering a blackberry thicket comes out unscratched. But that juicy reward is worth it. Here’s an interesting fact: technically blackberries (and raspberries) are not berries at all. Each fruit is a cluster of dozens of tiny fruits called drupelets, each containing a seed. Blackberries go bad quickly (usually within two or three days from harvest). Eat them right away, freeze them to later use in a sauce or to make jam, or preserve them as a syrup.
Here is a recipe for making syrup. What could be better than some home-
live theater, August is anything but sleepy! While some might think the arts take a summer break, local stages are buzzing with laughter, chills and rock ’n’ roll thrills this month. Whether you’re looking to escape the heat or soak in a night of immersive storytelling, there’s something just for you onstage.
Let’s explore some fantastic performances right here in our region that are keeping the spotlight bright all August long.
It’s alive! ‘Young Frankenstein’ comes to Folsom — The Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom never disappoints, and this August, they’re bringing a hilarious classic to life with “Young Frankenstein.” Based on the beloved Mel Brooks film and the book by Brooks and Thomas Meehan, this musical comedy is full of outrageous characters, clever dialogue and toetapping numbers. Expect a laugh-out-loud experi-
ence with Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (“That’s Fronkensteen!”), Igor, Inga and a monster who just might have some moves. The production promises elaborate sets and costumes that draw audiences into Transylvania — without ever leaving Old Folsom. The venue itself is a cozy, intimate space that allows guests to feel close to the action. There’s no bad seat in the house. And with air conditioning and nearby restaurants, it’s the perfect place for a fun night out. For tickets and showtimes visit sutterstreettheatre.com/off-broadway-series. ‘Dracula’ reimagined in song and satire — This isn’t your usual vampire tale. Light Opera Theatre of Sacramento presents “Dracula; or the town of Sibiu,” a witty and wonderfully oddball reimagining of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Mikado.” Set in 15thcentury Romania during the reign of Vlad the Impaler, the story blends classic operetta with gothic flair.
often on hot days. When the leaves die back, cut the stalk to the ground. You can dig up the rhi-
zome or leave it in the ground. Another rhizome that will bring the tropics into
your yard is the tuberose, Polianthes tuberosa. It blooms as single petaled or double petaled in
made blackberry syrup poured over waffles or pancakes in the dead of win-
ter, or used to create a new “Shirley Temple” drink?
white, pink, or yellow on a 2-foot stalk. It has a wonderful fragrance. Plant 2-3 inches deep, 6 feet apart, also from February to April. It likes plenty of sun and water. At the end of the blooming season, prune down the stalk. Divide the rhizomes after three years, when the rhizomes are crowded or fewer flowers bloomed this year compared to last. The gladiolus, either the large or small corm, is a bright addition. Plant the large corm 4-6 inches deep and 2 feet apart. The small corms can be planted 3 inches deep and 6 inches apart. It grows from one to three very tall stalks that need support. The tubular flowers bloom from spring to fall. When it finishes blooming, cut off the stalk 2-3
Blackberry syrup
Makes about three 1-pint jars*
3 pounds blackberries
2 cups water
Cheesecloth
2 ¾ cups sugar
¼ cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice
Place blackberries and water in a 6-quart stainless steel pot. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cook, uncovered, 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. (Do not boil). Remove from heat. Line a wire-mesh strainer with two layers of dampened cheesecloth or a jelly bag. Place over a bowl. Pour berry mixture into the strainer and let drain for two hours or as needed to extract 4 ½ cups juice. (Do not press or squeeze mixture.) Discard solids. Rinse pot.
Meanwhile, prepare boiling-water canner or atmospheric steam canner. Heat cleaned jars in canner until ready to use, do not boil (simmering water at 180 degrees F). Wash lids in warm
,
Photo courtesy of Rikki Pratt
Dracula, portrayed with comic flair, ponders
timely
in Light
lighting
Susan Laird The Arts
Kit
Pixabay image
Some tropical flowers do well in the foothills, adding exotic beauty to local gardens.
Pixabay image
Blackberries should be eaten within a few days of picking or freeze them for later use.
Museums offer must-do experiences before summer
Traci Rockefeller-Cusack News release
SACRAMENTO — The greater Sacramento region is rich with museums and popular destinations that offer plenty of must-see and must-do experiences to explore before summertime makes way for a busy fall season. The community is encouraged to show support for local museums by making plans to visit favorite locations (or discovering new ones).
A sampling of must-see and mustdo experiences and special activations offered by local museums this summer include the following:
•California Automobile Museum
— Wild Horses: Sixty Years of the Mustang is a must-see exhibit on display now that features the comprehensive 60-year history of the Ford Mustang, from when it first hit the roads in 1965 to the current era of the beautiful and beloved automobile. Beat the heat and visit this limited time indoor exhibit before it’s gone. For more visit calautomuseum.org/ wildhorsesexhibit. Plus, enter for a chance to win a 2025 60th anniversary Mustang.
• California Museum — This summer, the California Museum presents two thought-provoking exhibitions
‘It’s
exploring the power of art and activism. Mission Gráfica: Reflecting a Community in Print (through Sept. 14) showcases four decades of vibrant, activist screenprints from San Francisco’s renowned Mission Gráfica print center. Revolutionary
alive!’ at Sutter Street Theatre
Allen Schmletz Sutter Street Theatre
FOLSOM — Sutter Street Theatre presents the hit Broadway musical “Young Frankenstein.”
The production, written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan with music and lyrics by Brooks, is directed by Kenny Brian Gagni and Dena Jimena with musical direction by Connie Mockenhaupt and Rikki Pratt and choreography by Devin LePage with Thomas LePage.
Following the triumph of his 2001 musical “The Producers,” adapted from his film, Brooks opted to develop another musical from one of his popular movies. Brooks and Meehan started this new endeavor in April 2006, completing a first script read by October.
The musical had a brief pre-Broadway engagement in Seattle followed by a four-week preview period on Broadway. It officially premiered on Broadway on Nov. 8, 2007, to mixed reviews. The show ran for 30 previews and 484 performances. A U.S. tour commenced later that year, beginning
in Providence, R.I.
The show is based on the 1974 film of the same name written by Gene Wilder and Brooks, who also directed. Brooks has described the parody of the horror film genre his best film. Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”) and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced Inga), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. “It’s alive!” he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds.
The show contains bright, flashing lights and strobes and is suitable for audiences members older than 13.
The production runs through Aug. 24 with Friday and Saturday showings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday showings at 4:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
Upcoming Barbera Festival celebrates exceptional wine
News release
FOLSOM — Step into a world of elegance and excitement at the Barbera Wine Experience, celebrating National Barbera Day. This VIP event, 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, is unlike any other, offering limited access to ensure an intimate, high-end atmosphere where every guest enjoys a night of indulgence and luxury at the Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma St.
The Barbera Wine Experience promises an unforgettable evening surrounded by exceptional wine and timeless moments. With a stunning indoor venue and a relaxing outdoor lounge area, the festival will feature a grand tasting of Barbera wines from California’s top wineries, as well as
exclusive selections from Italy. It’s a rare opportunity to savor world-class wines all in one place.
But the experience doesn’t stop there, get ready for a culinary journey. Savor gourmet food and delightful appetizers, and enjoy live music that sets the perfect mood for an evening of fun and flavor. Plus, don’t forget to capture the magic of the night at the photo booth because every moment deserves to be remembered. Join in celebrating the iconic Barbera grape, which has flourished in California’s gold country. This year’s event will showcase the unique flavors and rich character of Barbera, a wine beloved by enthusiasts far and wide. Visit BarberaFestival.com for ticketing information.
Call out to veteran, active duty artists
News release
The Mills Station Arts and Culture Center is partnering with the Veterans Art Institute to bring an in person, veteran art show to the public. This juried exhibition will celebrate the creativity of active duty U.S. military and veterans from all branches of service residing in California. There is no theme — so let your imagination be the guide. From painting to photography, sculpture to mixed media, we welcome your unique vision.
Details
• Open to all U.S. veterans residing in California
• Free to enter
• Juried by Cheryl Gleason, art director & curator of the MACC
• Artists can submit up to three pieces of art
• All submissions must include highquality photographs of artwork
• For 2D work image should include only the artwork
• For 3D work use a plain background, submit up to three angles of work
Important dates
• Submission deadline: Tuesday, Sept. 9, by 11:59 p.m.
• Notification of acceptance: Saturday, Sept. 13, via email
• Drop-off at MACC: Wednesday, Sept. 24, noon to 6 p.m.
• Shipped work must arrive at by: Monday, Sept. 22
• Artist reception: Friday, Oct. 3, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
• Pick-up artwork: Oct. 20-21, noon to 5 p.m.
Awards
Ribbons will be awarded for Best of Show, first place, second place, third place and honorable mentions.
All visual media welcome except video and installations. The MACC and VAI encourage all veteran artists to take part in this powerful showcase of talent and experience. This is your opportunity to share your story through art.
For questions contact Cheryl Gleason at cheryl@cordovacouncil.org. For more information, to view the prospectus or to submit artworks visit rcmacc.org/call-for-artists.
The Veteran Art Institute is dedicated to honoring and empowering activeduty military and veterans through the arts. VAI provides a dynamic online platform where service members and veterans can showcase their artwork, share their experiences and connect with the military community and the public.
Art is more than just creativity — it’s a tool for resilience, well-being and personal growth. VAI aims to pay tribute to those who serve by offering a meaningful and shared space for self-expression, connection and inspiration.
Grain: Celebrating the Spirit of the Black Panthers in Portraits and Stories (through Nov. 2) features the portraits and stories of former Black Panther Party members, offering a humanizing perspective on the movement’s enduring legacy. Together, these exhibitions
highlight the voices and visual storytelling of communities fighting for justice. For more visit CaliforniaMuseum.org/ plan-a-visit.
• California State Railroad Museum & Foundation — Always a summertime favorite experience, the California State Railroad Museum & Foundation offer the only train ride experience behind an authentic, historical locomotive in the Sacramento region. As a highlight, the Granite Rock 10 steam locomotive will return to service on Aug. 9 and is expected to ride the rails of the Sacramento Southern Railroad pulling excursion trains on two weekends per month (note motive power can change without notice). Appealing to all ages, the experience offers guests the chance to enjoy train travel from an earlier era. For more details and/or to book a train ride visit californiarailroad.museum.
• Crocker Art Museum — The community is encouraged to experience three recently-opened exhibitions at the Crocker Art Museum this summer. Reform to Restoration: French Art from Louis XVI to Louis XVII from the Horovitz Collection brings 110 works from one of the world’s preeminent collections of French art, offering a stunning display of masterful paint-
Courtesy photo
The Crocker Art Museum has several exhibits of interest on display to check out with the kids.
Photo by Allen Schmeltz
Frau Blucher (Crystal Mayer), left, and Frederick Frankenstein (Terry Martin) aren’t afraid of things that go bump in the night.
EDCOE’s Summer Employment Program celebrates successes
Curtis Wise
El
Dorado County Office of Education
Since 2017 the El Dorado County Office of Education has partnered with Golden Sierra Job Training Agency and the Department of Rehabilitation to offer a Summer Employment Program for foster youth ages 16-20. Since that time, the program has grown to serve McKinneyVento youth and others who might benefit from the intensive program. At the beginning of SEP, youth spend a week in a classroom environment at Folsom Lake College where they learn from a variety of community partners about resume writing, interviewing skills, emotional regulation in the workplace and more. In what can be described as a cross between summer school and summer camp, the youth spend their days in various workshops with time between for connection and team building, which are always popular activities.
While youth are busy learning job skills, staff from EDCOE and New Morning Youth and Family Services, consider each student’s skills, schedules, and interests to pair them with employers who have volunteered to take on the students as paid interns for the five remaining weeks of the program. These community partners are integral in training and mentoring. Over the years, employers have included Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club, Exhilaration Station, the EDC Chamber of Commerce and many more.
On July 11, seven students who com-
pleted the 2025 program celebrated at The Apex at Red Hawk Casino. Even with pizza, bowling and kart rides, the highlight for most was receiving their certificates of completion, letters of recommendation and the coveted first paycheck. “These students have done a lot of work. Watching them grow through their experiences has been the most rewarding part of this program,” added Margaret Lewis, program coordinator. “They are shining stars!”
One of the shining stars is 18-yearold Rayden Salazar-Greene, who spent two of his three years in EDCOE’s Facilities and Maintenance Department, where he has received glowing reviews. Rayden’s commitment to doing his best, his excitement at learning new skills and his willingness to incorporate the feedback of his supervisor helped pave the way to becoming a model employee.
“I’ve heard it can be a struggle to get hired recently, but I [now] have experience. It also added so much confidence to what I’ll do going forward because I’ve had a positive experience and won’t be nervous,” Rayden shared. “ There were good people all around, a supportive network. I would say you will gain a lot of experience, confidence, friends and, overall, it’s ‘peak’ –meaning it’s great.”
He also credits developing a relationship with El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala,, as an important part of the program.
“This Summer Employment Program
Philanthropic funds support needed community programs
Chris Ringnes
El Dorado Community Foundation
Each year, the El Dorado Community Foundation facilitates 11 competitive grant cycles and two competitive letter of inquiry cycles. At this time of the year, eight of those competitive grant cycles and both letter of inquiry cycles have distributed funding to nonprofits that have been chosen by the committees that administer these different grants.
The various community-based committees consider the nonprofit applicants and make their decisions about who will receive funding in different ways, but the result is that hundreds of thousands of dollars in impact is distributed to fund the most critical needs faced by the community. These dollars fund programs for children, animals, veterans, the elderly, the unhoused and much more.
So far this year, competitive grant funding has been distributed by El Dorado Hills Area Foundation, Women’s Fund El Dorado, Tahoe Women’s Community Fund, Endow El Dorado, Friends of Seniors, Hearts & Minds Educational Technology Foundation, GIVE Tahoe, Veteran’s TOT and the two letter of inquiry
cycles — Pay It Forward Project and Sierra Nevada Foundation. The combined total of this impact in 2025 is over $771,000.
El Dorado Community Foundation staff members are honored to facilitate these grant processes that generate so much impact for the community, but the real stars of the show are the countless community volunteers making up the various committees and memberships of these competitive granting funds under the umbrella of the foundation.
El Dorado Community Foundation houses more than 300 different funds under our umbrella, and they all generate community impact in different ways. The funds highlighted here are only a small handful of those, but their combined impact each year is enormous, and allows our nonprofit community to continue serving the needs of some of El Dorado County’s most vulnerable populations.
El Dorado Community Foundation is dedicated to strengthening the community both now and for future generations. Facilitating these granting cycles is one of many ways it fulfills that mission. The next grant cycles at the foundation open on Aug. 28. Visit eldoradocf.org for more information.
Young artists invited to showcase talents
News release
The Folsom Lake Symphony announces its third annual Young Artist Competition, part of the symphony’s Emerging Artists Program. This competition provides local musicians, age 8 to 18 years old, an opportunity to showcase their talents in a competitive environment at the Harris Center. Cash awards are given to the Division winners and to the Grand Prize winner. All winners will perform at the Young Artists Recital. The Grand Prize winner will also perform with the symphony at the Spring Family Concert. Visit folsomlakesymphony.com/yac to download the competition guidelines and application. Key dates Sept. 1 — Application process opens Sept. 30 — Application process closes Nov. 8 — Live competition Jan. 11, 2026 — Young Artist Recital March 14, 2026 — Grand Prize winner performs at Spring Family Concert
Fits
Shock-absorbing
Courtesy photo
Rayden Salazar-Greene proudly holds his certification of completion while being congratulated by Dr. Ed Manansala, county superintendent of schools.
n See PROGRAM, page B8
soapy water and set aside with bands. Combine blackberry juice, sugar, corn syrup, and bottled lemon juice in a stainless steel pan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat; boil one minute.
Ladle hot syrup into a hot jar, leaving half-inch headspace. Wipe jar rim. Center lid on jar. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to ngertip tight. Place jar in the canner. Repeat until all jars are lled.
Water must cover jars by one inch in boiling water canner or come to the base of the rack in a steam canner. Adjust heat to medium-high, cover canner, and bring water to a rolling boil in a boiling-water canner or until there’s a steady stream of steam coming from the steam canner. Start timing and process pint jars: 10 minutes at 0-1,000 feet elevation, 15 minutes at 1,001-3,000
feet, 20 minutes 3,001-6,000 feet, 25 minutes 6,001-8,000 feet. Turn o heat. For boiling water canner, remove lid and l et jars stand for ve minutes. For atmospheric steam canner, let canner sit undisturbed for three to ve minutes, then remove lid. Remove jars and cool on a toweled surface for 12-24 hours. Check lids for seal (they should not ex when center is pressed). Label, date, and store in a cool dark place. *Not a big family and want halfpint jars of syrup? Great. Process for the same amount of time as pint jars. Larger jars than pints are not recommended. The UC Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County are a great resource for answers to food safety and preservin questions. Email edmfp@ucanr.edu. For more information about programs, events and recipes visit ucanr.edu/sites/ mfp_of_cs. Find the group on Facebook, too (UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County).
mapping techniques, projections displayed across the walls and oors completely transform the space; a highlight of the experience is a walk through the bridge room, where two hand-decorated bridges bedecked in colorful, leafy vines cross over a projected pond that brings Monet’s “Water Lilies” to life. Crossing from one room to the next in the experience continually surprises, with each new room poised to elicit awe-induced gasps — the experience of stepping through a curtain into a recreation of Monet’s atelier at his home in Giverny has to be seen to be believed. With dozens of paintings lining the lo y walls as an easel with another work sits in the center of the spacious room, the walls are lined with replicas of artifacts from Monet’s home, accompanied with snippets from his writings.
Antoniu, son of Lord Vlad Dracul, escapes an arranged marriage by disguising himself as a traveling minstrel — only to fall for a charming schoolgirl named Nadia. Unfortunately, Nadia is already promised to the comically stern Lord High Executioner, Cocos. What follows is topsy-turvy chaos full of mistaken identities, romantic mishaps and toe-tapping music.
Yes, you’ll still hear favorites like “Three Little Maids,” “I’ve Got a Little List,” and “The Sun Whose Rays,” all delightfully reimagined for this Transylvanian twist. Performances take place at the 24th
is a great example of EDCOE’s core values: integrity, service, relationships, equity and innovation,” Manansala said. “We are very proud of the di erence SEP makes in the lives of those students we serve. Rayden is one of many success stories evident by the dedication of these students, EDCOE sta and our wonderful community.”
inches above the soil. The spectacular dahlia blooms from a tuber in early summer into winter. Plant 12 inches deep in acidic soil, and cover with only 4 inches of soil. Watch for sprouting and then ll the hole. Water only a er it starts sprouting. At the end of the season, dig out tubers and shake them out. Pinch the lateral buds leaving the terminal bud. D y them upside down in the sun and then store them at 4-50 degrees through the winter. Check on them and throw away any rotten tubers. For long lasting cut dahlia owers, immediately put the stem in
“This has to be one of my favorite parts of the whole experience,” General Manager Timothy Steele said as he parted the curtains leading to the atelier.
Bought by Monet when he turned 50, Giverny became both a project and an inspiration for Monet for the rest of his life. Instead of retiring, the verdant gardens and tranquil ponds at Giverny inspired Monet’s most proli c period of work. Monet suffered through a string of personal tragedies throughout his life, and even his work became a challenge as he adapted his style as his eyesight began to deteriorate due to cataracts. The immersive experience aims to spark a deeper and empathetic understanding of Monet’s works by considering his life and times.
“That’s truly what this experience is all about,”
Street Theatre in Sacramento on Aug. 8-10 and Aug. 15-17, with two rotating casts. The show features a live orchestra and full staging — a rare treat for lovers of classic musical theater with a clever new spin. For tickets and full cast details visit lightoperasacramento.org. Rock ‘n’ roll royalty: ‘Tutti Frutti’ at Valhalla — In South Lake Tahoe the Valhalla Art, Music & Theatre Festival is closing out the summer with a high-energy celebration of an American music icon. “Tutti Frutti: The Life & Music of Little Richard” hits the stage at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Van Dyck and the Portrait Print presents 60 prints, drawn from the Crocker’s world-renowned collection of works on paper, from Anthony Van Dyck’s famed Iconography print series which showcase a panorama of educated society in the 17th century. For more visit crockerart.org.
• Fairytale Town — Get ready for a sip-sational evening as families and beer lovers take over Fairytale Town 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, for the epic Tales & Ales Brewfest fundraiser. Adults will be able to sip and savor their way through an incredible lineup of 20-plus vendors pouring cra brews, wine, cider, and kombucha, plus there’s a VIP option that will allow guests to get in an hour early along with access to a VIP lounge with catered food and exclusive pours — cheers to that! Plus, there will be root beer oats for the kids, mouthwatering eats from local food vendors, and live music that will keep the good vibes owing all night long. Tickets and more details are available at fairytaletown.org.
• MOSAC — The SMUD Museum of Science
SEP begins recruiting students and employers in the early spring each year. The program runs from the rst week of June to the middle of July. Interested students should reach out to their school counselors or social workers. Interested employers can contact Margaret Lewis at (530) 295-4539.
2 inches of hot, 160- to 180-degree water. Let it cool for one hour and then place the stem in a vase. Enjoy a bit of the tropics in your yard. For more information about UC Master Gardener classes, events and garden resources visit mgeldorado.ucanr.edu. Have a gardening question? Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website or leave a message at (530) 6215512.
For garden hours and activity information for the Sherwood Demonstration Garden visit ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden.
Steele explained. “We want to give people the chance to experience this art and learn about it in an accessible way.”
At the conclusion of the experience, visitors will even have the chance to color their own interpretations of some of Monet’s masterpieces and see them come to life on the walls around them, or dive into a virtual reality exploration around some of the sights Monet would have seen in his day-to-day life that served as inspiration for his art.
Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience is found at 31 15th St., West Sacramento, and tickets for days through the end of September are available at feverup.com/m/390809. For more information visit monetexpo.com or check out monet.expo on Instagram or Facebook.
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This biographical concert-theatre performance pays tribute to the man who shaped rock ’n’ roll with unmatched air and ery piano playing. From “Long Tall Sally” to “Good Golly, Miss Molly,” the show features all the hits — and the untamed spirit — of Little Richard himself. The Valhalla Boathouse Theatre is a magical lakeside venue. With woodbeamed ceilings and vintage charm, it creates an atmosphere that’s both intimate and electric. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just curious about the roots of rock, this one-night-only event promises to be unforgettable.
and Curiosity is a brilliant destination for explorers of all ages this summer. Guests can dive into interactive exhibits spanning space, nature, engineering and health, or catch a breathtaking show in the state-ofthe-art planetarium. Special summer programming includes science demonstrations and hands-on activities designed to ignite curiosity and foster discovery. Whether the plan is to marvel at the wonders of physics or construct a new invention, MOSAC o ers excitement and learning in equal measure. Make plans to visit and explore the full schedule of events at visitmosac.org.
• Museum of Medical History — Always free, the Museum of Medical History is open on Second Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through September. Guests will journey through time and learn about medical treatment during California’s Gold Rush, the u pandemic of 1918, Prohibition-era medicine, Polio and its groundbreaking vaccine, modern advances in cardiology, radiology, surgery and so much more. Reservations are not required, and physician docents
For tickets and festival info visit valhallatahoe.com/event. Catch the curtain before it closes — Live theater o ers something digital entertainment can’t — connection. Whether it’s laughter shared with strangers or the hush that falls when the lights go down, these moments bring us together. This August, make space in your calendar for one (or all!) of these amazing shows. You might just discover that the “slow” month of summer is actually the liveliest one of all. Send your event for consideration in Susan’s column to slaird@handywriting.com.
will be onsite giving tours and interpretation of the hundreds of artifacts in the museum’s collection. For more visit museumofmedicalhistory.org.
• Sacramento Children’s Museum — Kindergarten Readiness is a new pop-up activity at Sacramento Children’s Museum that encompasses social, emotional and cognitive skills that prepare children for the transition to a school environment. Ranging from letter and number recognition, ne and gross motor skills, to social-emotional skills like following directions and taking turns. The museum looks forward to welcoming little ones on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. through Aug. 6 to prepare for a successful transition to kindergarten. For more visit sackids.org.
• Sacramento History Museum — Chronicling the fascinating history of the canning industry in the Capital City, an all-new exhibition Sacramento in A Can – Featuring the Campbell’s Sacramento Story is on display on multiple levels at the Sacramento History museum through Sept. 1. On the rst oor, the history of the Campbell’s Sacramento Plant and its impact on the South Sacramento community is showcased with images, artifacts and more. Upstairs on the third oor, guests can learn more about Sacramento’s cannery industry that le behind a cultural legacy of union struggles, family traditions, and the indelible scent of syrup and steam. Now through Labor Day, guests who bring a can of food to donate to the River City Food Bank will receive half-o admission (one can/discount per person). For details visit SacHistoryMuseum.org.
For more information about upcoming activities o ered by Sacramento area museums, “like” them on Facebook at Facebook.com/SacMuseums, follow them on Instagram and X @SacMuseums or visit the user-friendly website at SacMuseums.org.
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