As a leader and a former Girl Scout, I felt that it was important for me to give back to an organization that gave so much leadership to me when I was a Girl Scout. As one of the earliest recipients of the Gold Award in this area, I felt that I learned how to lead others successfully. Using resources within the community to help teach my troop their requirements for a badge or interest projects and to one day have a troop that would successfully earn their Gold Award. I encourage adults to become leaders and positive role models for our girls in order to help our future leaders succeed. - Renee Hensley
Mean to Me
Girls scouting means to me the learning of life skills. I have realized that as I get older in scouting that all the fun things we have learned are really useful in every day activities and situations. Girls scouting also prepares me to be confident and responsible. Our recent Girl Scout meeting we met with our Mayor Len Augustine and he commented how special we were since we are involved in community activities. It was great to hear that our Mayor recognized the things we do. Mayor Len also taught us how to be confident in public speaking and to be ourselves. Girls scouting also provides me opportunities to try new things and exposes me to new adventures and learn new skills all in a safe environment with my friends who are doing the same. I feel comfortable and not embarrassed to try new things since I am around my friends who are doing the same. Finally, Girl Scouting to me means fun, leadership and selling cookies! I have had lots fun, learned to be confident in trying new things and I love to meet people when I sell cookies! - Katherine Feaster, Troop 20085
Troop 20098 consists of Daisy, Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts. Many of our girls have sisters also in the troop, so it is a real family experience. The Daisies have been very active with outings to the Oakland Zoo and Disney on Ice. The girls have also toured the Police Station and Fire Station as well as a tea party at Borders. In our troop meetings we’ve been participating in lots of low cost creative fun like decorating their snack at our birthday party for Juliette Gordon Low. One of the girls’ favorite activities so far we call the “Project Runway” challenge. Given a stack of newspaper and safety pins, the girls create an outfit for a member of their team. We had lots of laughs while working together to create some pretty unique pieces. We just finished up our fall nut sales with booths around the area like many other local troops. What a great practice in commitment, communication and math skills. We so appreciate the positive support from the community and look forward to cookie booths next year. Girl Scouts helps our girls grow! - The Mayne Family
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by: Janet Dosker
USO Show The music department at Willis Jepson Middle School serves about one quarter of the school’s population, with over 180 students in the program. It includes three bands and two orchestras comprised of many students who began their musical experience at the elementary level. The Jepson music teachers provide an enthusiastic introduction to music to fifth and sixth graders at the north side elementary schools. This program provides the beginning base for students to learn the mechanics and techniques of their instruments. Elementary classes are large, and only offered twice a week, so there are a limited number of instruments that can be taught: flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola and cello. This continuity of teaching provides students with at least one familiar face when they transition to middle school. At Jepson, our musicians are given the chance to spread their wings. Secondary instruments, such as oboe, bassoon, saxophone, French horn, baritone, tuba and string bass are made available to the students. Much of the music budget goes into acquiring and maintaining these essential “color” instruments that make the Jepson groups sound so rich and full. Students are also able to audition for two jazz bands and any number of small ensembles. It’s a wonderful place for them to grow as musicians, with the caring, professional support of the music staff. Our annual USO-style dinner show is the department’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Money raised through this much-anticipated event is used to fund the jazz program (it is not supported by the school district), purchase new instruments and new music, pay for busses for the Wind Ensemble tour, and provide other needed supplies for the students. Although the jazz groups and Wind Ensemble are highlighted during this program, all students in the music department are encouraged to be involved as performers, tech support or as food servers. In addition to enhancing their performing skills on their chosen instruments, students learn about the era of World War II, acquire new skills in public speaking and performing and get a glimpse of all the intricacies
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of creating an entertaining show for a paying audience. When this show was originally conceived seven years ago, the teachers wanted for the students to appreciate and honor the people who have given their time and their lives to keep us all free. This continues to be a mainstay of the philosophy for putting on this show. For the seventh year, Jepson Middle School will present their USO-style dinner show and fundraiser on Friday February 26 and Saturday February 27, 2010. The USO-style dinner show involves approximately 100 middle school students who perform music, skits and monologues related to the 1940’s and the USO programs. Throughout the evening, students perform their acts while guests enjoy a catered meal served by students. A dance floor is available for guests to dance to great music like In the Mood, Sing Sing Sing and Fly Me To The Moon. It is a lively evening full of entertainment, history and joy exuded by many veterans who attend this special event. Past memories are shared and new memories are made. It is a chance for young people to share in a piece of important history as well as honor those who have served and protected our country. This year the USO style dinner show will take place in the COPART Hangar at the Nut Tree Airport. Guests will be dining with a view of not only a wonderfully entertaining 1940’s style show, but also a 1943 Consolidated Vultee BT-13B military aircraft, straight out of World War II (owner Duncan Miller). The Jepson USO-Style Dinner Show provides students with opportunities for growth as performers and is chockfull of music, humor and moments that will touch your heart. It is the department’s biggest fundraiser of the year, funding instrument purchase and repair, the purchase of new music and making it possible for students to study jazz techniques and go on field trips. For more information, to make a donation or to purchase tickets, please contact Janet Dosker, Jepson Music Boosters President, at 707-330-7130 or jdosker@vacavilleusd.org.
Autism
Continued...
what is happening to our kids? Editors note: In the last issue of Vacaville Magazine we featured an article that focused on the controversial subject of Autism and the link to childhood vaccines. In this article we featured two different stories, one from a parent who has a child with Autism and another from a natural healing doctor. We had hoped that we would have been able to also feature the medical point of view but circumstances beyond our control prohibited us printing all points of view within the same issue. As promised though, below is the medical point of view to the Autism subject and the link to childhood vaccines. If you missed the previous article please visit our website at www.vacamag.com/autism to view the article.
by: Sutter Regional Medical Foundation
Studies Show No Link Between Autism and Vaccines Parents and physicians must work together to protect children from preventable illnesses and vaccines for diseases like measles, meningitis and hepatitis are an important part of that protection. In fact, serious health threats such as polio, diphtheria and tetanus are now rarely seen in the United States thanks to widespread vaccination. Some parents, however, have concerns about a possible connection between childhood vaccines and Autism. These concerns arose after researchers observed that Autism symptoms tend to appear in toddlers between 15 to 18 months old— the same time that young children receive vaccines for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and chicken pox. Despite this correlation, no medical evidence links the two events. In 2009, another study concluded that there is no clear pattern of possible association between getting vaccinated and developing Autism. I advise parents to immunize their children, following approved vaccination guidelines, such as those outlined in Sutter Health’s Preventive Health Care Guidelines. This can be less stressful to the children by decreasing number of vaccines given to children. If you choose not to vaccinate your child, your doctor may ask you to sign an Informed Refusal sheet. What Is Autism? Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, consists of multiple neuro-developmental problems that result in children not communicating in a normal fashion. “We really don’t understand why some children develop Autism and others don’t,” says Brigitte Randle, M.D. “There seems to be a clear genetic disposition and possibly some environmental triggers, such as overstimulation from TV, food and other chemicals that a child is exposed to.” Dr. Randle explains that symptoms can include repetitive movements, an inability to focus on people and regressed or delayed speech development. Signs typically show around age 1 ½ to 2 years. “Autism can be mild in nature or extremely serious,” she says. Because no clear-cut cause for Autism has been found, research continues into how to treat the condition, says Dr. Randle. “Researchers are starting to study drug therapies, but more common treatment includes occupational, speech and physical therapy, as well as neuropsychology and dietary changes.” Brigitte Randle, M.D., a board certified pediatrician affiliated with Sutter Regional Medical Foundation and on-staff at Sutter Solano Medical Center, sees patients in the Vacaville care center. You may request an appointment with her online at srmf.org or by calling 707-427-4900.
Let’s Eat Vacaville a culinary perspective by: Gigi Warshawsky
Tom Yum Goong Thai Cuisine
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Thai is one of my favorite cuisines, so I was pleasantly pleased when the next assignment landed us at Tom Yum Goong. This is a small restaurant, tucked away in the Lucky shopping center off of Monte Vista. I will admit that I have previously sampled a few tasty morsels during their ribbon cutting ceremony with the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce. At that time, they offered Thai egg rolls and crispy chicken wings to sample; both were delicious and devoured by the group. Hence, I was excited that with this review, I would have the opportunity to sample more menu items. Tom Yum Goong is a true family owned and operated business. Phet Chanhdara runs the front of the house operation while his brother-in-law, Moo Memark, comfortably takes the helm in the kitchen. And when not at her primary employment, Moo’s wife, Cindy, will also be found there making sure all runs smoothly. Lynda and I were fortunate to dine there when all three were available to chat with us. This team epitomizes that “the whole is a sum of its parts.” Phet, the shy one, is responsible for taking care of the guests; accomplishing this by breaking the ice with his humor and his knack of making people feel comfortable. While Moo, the more outgoing, is tucked away in the kitchen making sure every ingredient meshes together flawlessly. He declares “I’m really picky about food” continuing, “It might take a little longer because I want to make sure I serve food that is perfect!” And lastly,
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there is Cindy, resembling the mother hen, who is the intermediary between the two brothers-in-law and the patrons. By combining each of these components, the food and guests are never overlooked. The family migrated from Bangkok to Solano County 12 years ago. Moo had worked in restaurants for over 15 years before coming to the USA. He learned the Thai recipes from his years growing up in the family’s restaurants; both his father and uncle owned their own establishments. In fact, Moo’s uncle was summoned by the King that he be served his uncle’s Pad Thai on a monthly basis, which was an extreme honor and accompanied by regal pageantry. After arriving in Solano County, Moo worked with his brother at the Golden Thai restaurant in Fairfield. The majority of his friends and family loved his cooking and urged him by continually saying, “You should open your own restaurant.” This prompted them to start looking for a location, in fact, it was a three year process; there was simply no availability anywhere in Vacaville. Finally, this locale became vacant (previously Shogun) and they jumped at the opportunity. Their doors opened in November 2007 and have since worked diligently on pleasing their faithful clientele while trying to attract new customers. Cindy shared with us that by utilizing authentic Thai recipes (they are proud that their food has not been “Americanized”) and taking care of their guests, were the determining factors that have contributed to
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their ongoing success and being able to stay afloat in this critical economy. They are keenly aware of the economic climate and have not raised their prices, compromised the integrity of their food nor decreased the portion sizes from day one. Many “regulars” come in and without even venturing toward the menu, say “Make me what you eat.” Quite a few of these impromptu dishes have ended up on their “Daily Specials” menu. At other times, familiar customers will enter, and in a quick second Phet already has their preferred beverages in hand and asks, “You want the usual?” These are instances that initiate and endorse their faithful following. Lynda and I were seated immediately; it was after the lunch rush. We were asked if we wanted to see the menu or if we just wanted them to bring us some of their specialties. We opted for the latter. We did keep the menus, however, just to familiarize ourselves with what we were sampling. We started off with the Crispy Shrimp ($6.95). If this was an indicator of what was to come, we were definitely in for a treat! There were five prawns which had been deep fried to a crisp and served with a sweet chili sauce. Yummmm….. Next to come was their “signature” dish, namesake and most requested menu item; Tom Yum Goong ($4.95 for small and $8.95 for large.) This was a spectacle; the soup arrived in a silver colored firepot with flames shooting from the center cavity. There was no way that this soup would be anything but temperature hot. It was a “spicy and sour” soup with large shrimp, lemongrass, lime leaf, mushrooms, tomatoes and chili peppers. It was delicious and we were truly impressed by the presentation. Chicken Satay ($5.95) followed; which consisted of ample portions of chicken breast that were marinated, skewered and broiled. It was accompanied by a cucumber salad and the traditional peanut sauce. There were five skewers which seemed like such a bang for your buck. Before we could gobble down all that down, plates of
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Pineapple Fried Rice ($8.95) and Pad Thai ($8.95) were presented to us. The rice had shrimp (it can be ordered with other selections of meat), onions, chunks of fresh pineapple, cashews, raisins and egg. It was scented with mild curry which enhanced all the flavors so well. The Pad Thai (a traditional noodle dish) was equally as scrumptious. Before we knew it another dish was placed on the table, the Lemon Chicken ($6.95). Chicken breast which had been thinly pounded into a cutlet, deep fried and cut into strips; a creamy citrus sauce was served on the side and also fried broccoli florets. Wow-wow, it was so crisp, yet not oily at all and so full of flavor with each ingredient complimenting the other. At this point, I turned to Lynda and mentioned, “You haven’t given me any of your really good quotes for this article.” She was quick to respond, “I have, too!…how about all the yumm’s and mmmm’s?” So true! Lynda did continue, “I loved the Pad Thai and the soup was wonderful.” We were stuffed to the gills although I just wanted to continue eating; it was that good. We did breakdown and packed the remainder of the food to go because dessert was on its way. Fried Bananas with samplings of Mango and Coconut Ice Creams. The bananas were coated with the same flour that encompassed the Lemon Chicken and once again, not a hint of oiliness. The ice cream was drizzled with honey which lent a very fragrant and almost floral essence to the dish. It was reminiscent of my childhood when I would suck the nectar from honeysuckle plants. The Mango Ice Cream was my favorite and I’m not a huge mango fan. We were stuffed, happy and content. Lynda who has not had much exposure to Thai cuisine was now a true fan. She couldn’t wait to come back and I will admit I’ve already been back, just today, in fact. As we opened the door, there was Phet with a big smile and a vibrant, “Hello, Miss Gigi.” Before I knew it, Cindy had popped her head out to say
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hello. Moo was still in the back cooking Cindy Memark and Phet Chanhdara away. As we were eyeing the menu, Phet mentioned that one of my favorite soups (Tom Yum Kai; the coconut version of Tom Yum Goong) was already being made for my family. How did he remember that? I had never ordered it there, only mentioned it briefly in conversation weeks ago. After two visits, I now know what the “regulars” have become accustomed to and I feel at home as well. After all, that is a primary objective of theirs, so I say “Mission Accomplished!” A quick mention; there is a lunch menu offered which is served with soup or salad. Prices range from $5.95$6.95, what a deal. They also cater from small to large affairs and lastly the menu selections, prices, descriptions and photos are available on their website: www. tomyumgoongthaicuisine.com To sum it all up… Tom Yum Goong is good enough for royalty, but made for you and me. Tom Yum Goong Thai Cuisine 745 E. Monte Vista Ave (Lucky shopping center) (707) 448-8753 Tuesday-Saturday 11 am - 9 pm Sunday 11:30 am - 8 pm
The Gift of Life Give two precious gifts: One of love and one of life. One for your sweetheart. Another for someone in your community – who will love you for it. On Saturday, February 13, 2010, Vacaville Museum will partner with NorthBay Healthcare for a day of healthy hearts and sweethearts. From 10 am to 3 pm, the Pacific Blood center mobile unit will be at your museum accepting donations of critically-needed lifegiving blood. In the evening, you and your sweetheart can join loving friends for a chocolates and champagne/wine reception in the Museum gallery. From 5 to 7 pm, relax with your sweetheart, enjoy the sweets and support your museum at the end of a heartfelt day. Celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving blood because you love, and love your Museum because your heart is in it. Do something special for the ones you love at the community blood drive from 10 am to 3 pm in the Museum Courtyard. Listen and learn how to treat your heart right with hearthealthy information provided by the NorthBay medical Heart & Vascular Center team. Return with your sweetheart in the evening for a champagneand-chocolates reception benefiting your Museum from 5 to 7 pm. Blood Drive signups are free and donated blood will supply our local hospitals. Call the Museum office for your appointment time, 447-4513. Blood donations are always needed and each of us knows someone near and dear to our hearts whose life will depend on it. Tickets for the “Love Your Museum” evening event are $25 per person and include photos with your sweetheart and a rose to take home. Be a sweetheart – Take part. This is your community and your Museum; put your
heart into it. Special thanks to NorthBay Healthcare for generous support of these events.
by: Kelli Germeraad
Hearts for Heroes It is hard for me to believe that the members of the Kelli’s Heroes wounded ward visitation teams have entered into their fifth year of greeting, welcoming and supporting the returning wounded that travel through David Grant Medical Center (DGMC) at Travis AFB. Our teams have had the opportunity to visit with some 500 plus returning wounded, as they make the journey home to a hospital facility closer to their duty station. For each of us the experiences have conjured up a series of emotions and even difficult and painful moments as we visit with each of the patients that have passed through DGMC. Members of these visitation teams are also active members of the Vacaville Veterans organzations and auxiliaries, many of whom are veterans of past wars. While each team member may have a specific reason for participating, I know that
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they all bring a special component to the project that makes this such a success. It is always hard for me to know where to begin when highlighting the efforts of our team members because the success of their efforts is supported by the Vacaville Veterans organzations, as well as other civic, high school groups/clubs, fraternal, businesses and individual citizens. With their generosity, we are able to provide so many comfort items for those returning home with injuries and wounds. At the same time; we have the unique opportunity to say to this generation of military members, “Thank You, Welcome Home, we appreciate your service and what you do everyday for our country matters.” Conveying those sentiments carries some pretty emotional baggage for both team members and our wounded. There isn’t one of these team members
Valentines received for the National Salute from area school children. Photos by Kelli Germeraad.
that doesn’t carry a special memory of time spent with a patient that has changed us forever. Each one of us will remember with clarity one special military member who stole our hearts and took our breath away. Maybe it was their ability to survive against the odds or beat the odds. Maybe it was the humble Navy corpsman, who worried more about who was taking care of his Marines or the Army specialist that just didn’t quite understand how he was the lone survivor in an ambush attack or the fierce professionalism and compassion that the military medical personnel show in caring for them. With this article, I wish to salute the members of our visitation team, who have remained committed to the effort of not letting any military member return home and not feel appreciated and welcomed. Members: Carolyn Brookshire, Dee & Dan Conroy; Marty Martinez, Richard & Dorothy Apodacca, John & Patricia Sorrick, Laurie Vidt, Sherry Scarrott, Rey Carbajal, Carus Culver, Jake Germeraad and Pat Flye, as well
as our treat ladies, Marge Henderson and Kathryn Logan have dedicated the better part of the last five years to participating in the visitations, as well as supporting all of the things that it takes to help meet the needs of our wounded. We have also had others who have occasionally been able to spend time participating such as Jeff Jewell, Nathan Johnson, Courtney Vidt, Wulf Corrington and Marvin Maria. What we have come to realize during this journey is that men and women of incredible courage and bravery defend our America. Our dedication to them cannot or will not be one quick moment, but a lifetime of gratitude and that message must be emphasized to all of you. There are levels of support, for our wounded, our military and our veterans, large and small that each of us can do, to make a difference and that support can occur right here in our community.
Vacaville Mayor Len Augustine joins members of Kelli’s Heroes vistation team for Christmas Thank you to ASF staff. Photo by Kelli Germeraad.
Team members Dan Conroy, Richard & Dorothy Apodacca and Jake Germeraad heading in to visit patients. Photo by Kelli Germeraad.
The Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 7244 and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 165 are holding the third annual joint drive for the Aeromedical Staging Flight (ASF) Wounded Ward at David Grant Medical Center, Travis AFB. The drive will run through February 14, 2010. In addition to benefiting the ASF ward, it will also help to support, the Fairfield VA Clinic and Fisher House at Travis, Concord Vets Center, deployment of troops, Homecomings and other agencies serving our veterans. Requested items: • Men’s and Women’s sweat shirts and sweat pants. Sizes: Medium, Large and X-large & XXL) Colors: Navy, Grey and Black (conservative colors) • Men’s white cotton short sleeved undershirts (Sizes Med – XXL) • Men’s / Ladies underwear (men’s boxer briefs) • Men’s flip flops, sizes 9-13 • Various brands of shower gel • Men’s shaving cream • Razors • Tooth Brushes /Tooth Paste • Shampoo & Conditioner • Body Spray / Baby Powder (Axe/Shower to Shower) • Dental Floss • Mouthwash • Men’s / Ladies Deodorant • Chap Stick • Towelettes (baby wipes or hand wipes) • Body Lotion / Hand Lotion (Donated toiletry items should be in small or travel sizes) • A monetary donation be made to VFW Auxiliary Unit7244
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In addition monetary donations are welcomed and encouraged, as this allow the Auxiliary to purchase phone cards, pizza or other snack items and beverages for the warrior lounge or to purchase items from the above listing when the demand is high. Checks can be made out to the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW 7244 and mailed to the Vacaville Veterans Memorial Building located at 549 Merchant Street, Vacaville 95688. In addition to the above mentioned drive, the auxiliaries will also be coordinating the annual Valentines for Veterans card project, which will coincide with the US Department of Veterans Affairs, “National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans.” The National Salute, as it is known, runs through the week of February 8-14, 2010. This special week is a time when the VA highlights the valuable contribution of the thousands of volunteers who staff and support their medical facilities and outpatient based clinics each year. It also is a way to encourage the public to become involved with visiting and supporting our veterans. For the Vacaville veterans, the card project is one way we can encourage community participation. This is a call to our area schools, church youth groups and community organizations to once again join us by making those precious gifts of Valentines for our national heroes. Criteria for Valentines are that they be those made by hand, reflecting love, gratitude and appreciation for our veterans. We prefer they not be computer generated and want to emphasize that we prefer the quality of a handmade Valentine, one in which you took the time to express your love. Quality over quantity is so much more meaningful. Won’t you take some time and give your heart to a hero. Deadline for Valentines is Friday, February 5, 2010. Valentines can be mailed to the Vacaville Veterans Memorial Building at 549 Merchant Street, Vacaville 95688. They can also
Kelli Germeraad, Carolyn Brookshire, Rey Carbajal, Mike Elm with guide dog trainee Jason headed to wounded ward for visit and to bring items for the patients on the ward. Photo by Jake Germeraad.
Kathryn Logan helps sort and bundle Valentines for distribution. Photo by Carolyn Brookshire.
be dropped off beginning Tuesday, February 2 through Friday February 5 from the hours of 1 to 6 pm at the Veteran’s Hall. If no one is at the hall when you stop by, please place them in the wooden box on the side porch, they will be safe. We look forward to another successful year between the joint drive and the Valentine project, and wish to encourage all of you to find a way to support the efforts of two programs that are successfully meeting the needs of those that serve. What better way to give from the heart than to participate. Contact information for either project is Kelli Germeraad at 707-446-8505 or via email vetsfrst@aol.com; Dee Conroy at 707-448-6603 or via email deesbkkp@ yahoo.com; Carolyn Brookshire via email carolynbrookshire@comcast.net As of the writing of this article, I wish to send a special message of appreciation to the Vanden High School Air Force JROTC cadets who recently raised some $1,392 dollars for the wounded ward drive. For the last three years, these cadets have led in the efforts to support us. A special shout out to all of them for a job well done.
Vaca Jazz Society save our music! Happy 10th Anniversary! The Vaca Jazz Society (VJS) celebrated their 10th Anniversary last September 18, 2009 with a big bang! During the Society’s 10th “Save Our Music” Vacaville Jazz Festival thousands of jazz patrons, students and parents attended the free jazz festival, which encompassed six stages throughout downtown and Nut Tree regions. A renowned jazz artist made a surprise visit and quietly surprised the Vacaville High School Jazz Ensemble during their performance, making an everlasting first impression on our precious children. The nine time Grammy Award winner in classical and jazz, as well as Pulitzer Prize winner, Wynton Marsalis had decided to bless the Vacaville Community with his passion for music by sitting in with our kids and performing music along side. This gift from Marsalis was a chance of a lifetime in which some students were so impressed by his performance and passion that they decided to make music their life career. Lives were changed. The future of band programs are now struggling with budget cuts and students are faced with less opportunity to learn music and have fellowship amongst their peers and mentors. All the jazz bands which performed during the Vacaville Jazz Festival from Vacaville High, Vanden High, Dixon High as well as Vacaville Christian have faced budget reductions and in many cases, band directors are donating their time in order to “Save Our Music” programs. Had the band programs been deleted from the school districts, the opportunity of Wynton Marsalis performing would not have occurred during the jazz festival and lives may not have been impacted in a positive manner. Music students grow up to be musicians, as well as teachers, architects, doctors, businessman, contractors, engineers, researchers and even lawyers. The Vaca Jazz Society believes the investment in our children is a priceless treasure, as well as
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keeping America’s Jazz alive through the next generation. In 1987, the 100th U.S. Congress passed House Resolution 57, which declared jazz “a rare and valuable treasure.” We perceive its esteem in modern culture to be in decline. VJS members and musicians have a love of jazz music and the performing arts, and through it our vision is to enrich our community by maintaining an established family tradition, a much needed set of youth outreach programs and advocating a drug-free and gang-free community through music mentorship. Our mission is to “Save Our Music.” Since 1999, the non-profit Vaca Jazz Society has existed to provide and promote quality jazz music in our community. This volunteer effort is a labor of love for many local musicians and business owners who give of their time and resources to bring quality, family-friendly jazz entertainment to Solano County residents. This mission includes promoting the multi-cultural heritage of American jazz music’s ancestors and derivatives (Folk, Gospel, Dixieland, Big Band Swing, Bebop, Latin, Jazz-Rock Fusion and Smooth Contemporary as examples); to preserve America’s jazz roots and honor it’s assimilation of “global rhythms.” The VJS promotes this universal language through live performances, education and enthusiastically advocating support for our music educators and dedicated artists.
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As a means of advancing our mission, VJS maintains programs which practice, perform and promote the music of America’s Jazz Roots; educating the public about our African and southern black church heritage with folk influences; providing free supplementary music programs in partnership with the public library; and holding camps, clinics and library concerts. We showcase local talent and youth at our annual Jazz Festival, while continuing to support local charity events and annual conferences, aiding educators and providing artists with outlets and resources. Venues and performing opportunities for upcoming artists are difficult to come by in the North Bay Area. The annual Vacaville Jazz Festival purposely provides local artists, emerging composers, music educators and schools an opportunity to showcase their outstanding programs. The VJS enlists sponsorship from our local businesses and corporations, thereby fostering a sense of community pride while building a larger and younger group of audiences and artists (the young and the “young at heart”) who would be the next generation to share or “Save Our Music!” HISTORY The genesis of the Vaca Jazz Society’s historic roots began with the first community band program in Solano County. Under the direction of local school music director Parker Burns, the first “Vacaville Stage Band” included high school students from throughout Solano County in the late 1960’s and 1970’s, and was reintroduced as the Vacaville Unified School District Adult School Jazz Ensemble during the 1980’s. In addition to developing one of the first local youth jazz stage bands and community jazz ensembles, Parker was instrumental in inspiring and teaching hundreds of students at the Elementary and Jr. High School music programs for over thirty years, concluding with his retirement in the early 1990’s. One of his former inspired music students, band director Keith Stout, passionately carried on his mentor’s community jazz band vision, creating the VacaCity Stage Orchestra (VCSO) in 1994, fully sponsored by the City of Vacaville Community Services Department. Keith Stout’s Alive Music Orchestra (AMO) had performed throughout Northern California and in national television appearances. Well attended AMO Christmas Shows at VPAT, which began in the early 90’s, reinforced
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support for a new VCSO community band. Thus, in 1994 Parker’s original mission was brought back to life. The VCSO provided community band classes and concert performances throughout the spring, summer and winter sessions at the newly constructed VPAT. Select outstanding VCSO students attending the VCSO classes were presented the prestigious Parker Burns Awards. Several award recipients were later accepted into the Air Force Academy, MIT, West Point, Dartmouth, UCLA, UC Davis, Sac State and other universities. With the success of the VacaCity Stage Orchestra, there was interest in the concept of an annual Jazz Festival, which would provide local support for our music students, performing artists and reenergize businesses in Solano County in the midst of a recession. Preliminary plans began in 1995, but within the year the Nut Tree facilities had closed, thereby ending all ventures for the proposed Jazz Festival. As local jazz musicians were looking for venues closer to home, a potential venue at the Vacaville CreekWalk was nearing completion. In 1999, Keith Stout approached Vacaville’s Community Services Department representatives, the City Managers Office and the City Council with a proposal to create a Jazz Festival in downtown Vacaville. Keith Stout, Parker Burns, Don Kidder, Mike Cherry and other associates felt the new CreekWalk and its historic surroundings could support such an endeavor. The city accepted the group’s proposal and founded a board of directors from the resources of the VacaCity Stage Orchestra, Alive Music Orchestra, city patrons, educators, Vaca Arts Council, City Commissioners, artists, businessmen and other volunteers. Thus was formed the Vaca Jazz Society, to continue the original vision of Parker Burns, and most importantly to begin planning for the first annual Vacaville Jazz Festival in 2000. The Jazz Festival was a great success! The original crowd of 300 attendees has grown to over 7,000 since 2000, supporting a new local family tradition and music safe haven for all age groups. In order for the VJS to achieve success in getting the word out to help “Save Our Music”, we had created
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Vacaville Magazine
tailor-made plans for the community in the following three outreach programs: Jazz Music Institute Our Jazz Music Institute, in partnership with the Solano County Library, conducts annual youth camps, music clinics, history documentaries and dance demonstrations at Solano County Libraries. Provide free programs towards our youth in the public school districts, home schools, local colleges and universities. Reach our City organizations, County and State youth programs. Vacaville Jazz Festival The Society provides a free annual music festival to the community in the North Bay Area, allowing an opportunity for local musicians, youth and local businesses to benefit in our celebration of American Jazz Roots. Marketing our free programs to local businesses and associations, emphasizing the potential to attract customers. Have local music programs raise awareness in the community about their successful students performing in jazz ensembles, etc. Opportunity for local musicians to market themselves and perform closer to where they live. Vaca Jazz Society Fundraising The non-profit Vaca Jazz Society relies entirely on sponsorship and fundraising to continue our festivals and programs. Market to our sponsors on the benefits of becoming a member and business sponsor, with emphasis on tax-deductible non-profit status. Reach City, County and local agencies for grants, partnerships and support. Development of a Society League for fundraising, etc... The media such as the Vacaville Magazine, The Grapevine, Reporter, Enterprise, Vallejo Times and Daily Republic have played key roles in helping to spread the word about our events. KUIC has continued to provide free public service announcements and have provided “interviewed commercials.” The partnership with the Solano County Library has provided venues and outstanding support towards sponsoring our youth pro-
grams and notifying the public on events. We have over 50 bands, choirs and performing groups, with over 350 musicians and vocalists associated with the Society. While many could be classified as “starving artists” and can not contribute financially to the Society, their participation in VJS programs as artists should be fostered to the maximum extent. Our 2009 Membership drives gained tremendous support and will be continued through 2010. Please help us “Save Our Music!” Schedule of VJS Events and Joint Concerts: (Some concerts subject to change) April 17, 2010 Vaca Jazz Society’s Youth Jazz Camp Concert, Venue and Times TBA. Sign up for Jazz Camp and Rehearsals at www.VacaJazz.com. Jim Lucas Education Director. May 1, 2010 Vacaville High School Jazz Ensemble Concert with Jepson Jazz Band and special guest Alive Music Orchestra. Held at VHS Little Theater. (Date to be confirmed) August 11 thru September 18, 2010 Vaca Jazz Society’s Youth Jazz Camps, Sponsored by Solano County Library/ Live Music Center. Rehearsals at Vacaville Public Library. Sign up at www.VacaJazz. com. Jim Lucas Education Director. September 17, 18 and 19, 2010 11th Annual “Save Our Music” Vacaville Jazz Festival. Gospel Sunday/Military Tribute. Free Admission. Downtown & Nut Tree. 40 bands performing at six stages. www.VacaJazz.com
Vacaville Magazine