FOLSOM COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY

The 10th annual Community Service Day takes place Saturday, September 16. Nearly 2,000 volunteers have registered for this year’s event, and will help beautify parks and trails, school campuses, and recreation areas; prepare care packages for military service members; collect and sort food donations; pitch in to complete tasks for Neighbors Helping Seniors projects; and more.

On Saturday, September 16, Community Service Day volunteers should check in between 7 and 8 a.m. at Lakeside Church, 745 Oak Avenue Parkway, to receive a commemorative T-shirt and a complimentary breakfast. All volunteers must have a 2023 Community Service Day liability waiver completed and signed.

Community Service Day is organized by the City of Folsom, local businesses, and community organizations. The annual event is made possible thanks to generous sponsorship support from Intel, Dignity Health, Folsom Times, Lennar, Style Media Group, Lakeside Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Rotary Club of Folsom, The Folsom Telegraph, and other members of the business and service community.

Community Blood Drive

As part of Folsom Community Service Day, Vitalant is hosting a community blood drive from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 16 at Lakeside Church, 745 Oak Avenue Parkway in Folsom. The bloodmobile bus will be located in the parking lot. Schedule an appointment online in advance. The entire donation process takes about one hour; donors must be at least age 16. For eligibility questions call Vitalant at 877-258-4825 or visit vitalant.org for more information. Your blood donation can help save a life!

Community Service Day Drive-Through Donation Drive

Local organizations are collecting needed items from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, September 16. Donations can be dropped off at the drive-through at Lakeside Church, 745 Oak Avenue Parkway.

Items being collected for local community groups include:

• Eyeglasses
• Toys and Gift Cards
• Shelter Pet Supplies
• Unused/Outgrown Youth and Adult Bicycles
• Purses
• Gift Wrapping Supplies
• Yarn and Fabric
• Toiletry Items
• Coats for All Ages

Citywide Food Drive

Folsom’s Community Service Day includes a citywide food drive to benefit the Twin Lakes Food Bank. Volunteers will drop off empty grocery bags and a list of needed nonperishable, unexpired food items to every household in Folsom. Place your filled bag on your driveway before 8 a.m. Saturday, September 16 for volunteers to pick up. Find more information about the food drive online.

Most-Needed Food Drive Items:

• Cereal
• Canned tuna and chicken
• Chili
• Pasta
• Canned ravioli
• Canned fruit
• Canned vegetables
• Nutrition supplement drinks (Ensure)
• Pasta sauce

Pet Supply Drive

Local pets need your help! Donate pet supplies and help animals in our community. A drive-thru donation drive will be held Saturday, September 16, at Lakeside Church, located at 745 Oak Avenue Parkway, from 7 a.m. to noon.

For more information, call 916-461-6013.

Sacramento SPCA

• Kong toys for dogs (L & XL are needed most)
• Soft training treats for dogs
• Canned pumpkin
• Peanut butter (xylitol free)
• Cat food, canned pate style
• Unopened dry dog food (for community pet pantry)
• Cat toys
• Cardboard cat scratchers

Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue

• Dog toys
• Trash bags
• Poop bags
• Paper towels
• Dog cookie treats
• Pill pockets
• Blankets (new and gently used)

Photo: Bill Sulllivan, Folsom Times

FOLSOM POLICE AND FIRE PERSONNEL HONORED

Staff from the Folsom Police Department and the Folsom Fire Department were recently recognized at the annual Public Safety Awards sponsored by the Rotary Club of Folsom. Each recipient was honored for their exemplary service, dedication, and commitment to the safety and well-being of Folsom residents.

Folsom Police recognitions:

• Officer of the Year: Detective Will Maslak
• Supervisor of the Year: Sgt. Mike Grueneberg
• Dispatcher of the Year: Erica Dawson
• Professional Staff Member of the Year: Tracie Callahan

Folsom Fire recognitions:

• Supervisor of the Year: Captain Brian Beck
• Firefighter of the Year: Tyler Smith
• Professional Staff Member of the Year: Alicia Klausing

FOLSOM POLICE DEPARTMENT URGES RESIDENTS TO RIDE E-BIKES, E-SCOOTERS SAFELY 

E-bikes, e-scooters, motorized bikes, and mopeds are all the rage. Because these bikes, scooters, and motorcycles are self-propelled, their use is governed by the California Vehicle Code and each type has its own rules about who can drive or ride them and where they can be ridden. Stay safe, and know the rules before you go! Find information about these vehicles and the rules of the road at www.folsom.ca.us/ebikes-escooters.   

NEW BABY STORYTIME AT THE FOLSOM PUBLIC LIBRARY

Reading aloud to babies boosts their early brain and vocabulary development. It's one of the best ways to help them learn. The Folsom Public Library offers a weekly storytime to support babies' language and literacy development Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the Children's Picture Book Room. The baby-friendly, lap-sit program features stories, rhymes, and songs. Following the program, participants can stay for social play. The program is intended for ages birth to 18 months. Storytimes are free, and no registration is required. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/library.

FOLSOM RENAISSANCE FAIRE RETURNS SEPTEMBER 23 AND 24

This living history event transports guests back in time to a 16th century English village with hundreds of costumed entertainers, artisan crafts and wares, and a variety of tasty food and drink. Jousting tournaments take place both days of the faire, featuring riders in full suits of armor riding on sturdy draft horses. The Faire takes place in Folsom City Lions Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 23 and 24. Tickets are available by advance online purchase only; no tickets will be sold at the gate. Visit folsomfaire.com for tickets and more event details.

FOLSOM PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST THRILLER NOVEL AUTHOR 

The Folsom Public Library welcomes acclaimed author Cindy Fazzi 1 p.m. Saturday, September 30. This special event will take place in the Library Meeting Room and will offer an engaging exploration of her writing journey, a captivating Q&A session, and a book signing opportunity. Copies of her latest novel, "MULTO," will be available for purchase, courtesy of Ruby’s Books.

Fazzi is a Filipino American writer and former Associated Press reporter. She is a resident of Fair Oaks. She is the author of the historical novel “My MacArthur,” which was chosen as a quarterfinalist in the 2018 ScreenCraft Cinematic Book Competition.

Learn more about Folsom Public Library programs, services, and events at www.folsom.ca.us/library.

City of Folsom Communications Director

Christine Brainerd | cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us | 916-461-6013 (office)

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