FREE SUMMER PARK CONCERTS
There will be plenty of free musical fun in August with more to come in the fall.
Carmichael Park will be hosting six free concerts during the month of August including two weekends with a performance on both Saturday and Sunday. Each show starts at 6:30 pm.
This month’s fun in Carmichael starts on Sunday, August 3, with the always popular John Skinner Band. The following weekend on Saturday, August 9, catch classic rock songs of the 60’s - 90’s by The Count with more music the next night, Sunday, August 10, featuring 50’s Rock n’ Roll and 30’s Jazz by Todd Morgan & the Emblems. Sunday, August 17, enjoy swing music by the It’s About Time Swing Band. The final weekend of the month will showcase The Bad Catz on Saturday, August 23, playing rockin’ rhythm and blues. And the finale of the series will be the River City Concert Band, a spectacular 50-piece group on Sunday, August 24. For more information, please visit the Carmichael Recreation and Park District website.
Fair Oaks is the place to enjoy free music every Thursday night in August. Each performance is at Village Park with all shows beginning at 7 pm. The first concert this month on August 7 will be by The Swing Masters. A variety of music will be offered each Thursday including classic rock , good old fashion Rock n’ Roll, jazz , and more. This concert series is sponsored by the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce, Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District, and Fair Oaks Foundation for Leisure and the Arts. For more information, please visit the Fair Oak Recreation and Park District website.
The Old Foothill Farms area will be the site of an encore “Concert in the Park” on Saturday, October 11, at Pioneer Park, 5100 Verner Avenue near Pioneer School. This event is being co-sponsored by Sacramento County and the Sunrise Recreation and Park District. The fun begins at 1 p.m. with the concert from 2 to 4 p.m. featuring the John Skinner Band.
And remember the best way to enjoy any of these outdoor concerts is to bring a picnic, blanket and lawn chairs.
CYBER AWARENESS FAIR FOR YOUTH
The environment facing young people today is far different than when I was a youngster growing up in Sacramento County. Today’s youth are exposed to issues like Cyber Bullying, Cyber Security and Technology Addiction.
The Sacramento County Youth Commission recognizes today’s challenges and is holding an informational “Cyber Awareness Fair 2014” on Saturday, August 9 from 2-6 pm at Carmichael Park’s Community Clubhouse. There will be information booths and guest speakers.
Also on display will be an Art Show by young artists between the ages of 12 to 18 featuring original artwork related to the categories of Cyber Bullying, Cyber Security and Technology Addiction.
After the fair, young and old alike can enjoy the summer concert that evening in Carmichael Park starting at 6:30 pm featuring the sounds of “The Count” featuring 60s-90s classic rock. And there will be food trucks, too!
FIGHTING ELDER FINANCIAL ABUSE
Financial abuse against seniors is on the rise. In 2013, Sacramento County’s Adult Protective Services received 1448 reports of financial abuse – almost double the 737 reports from 2007.
Financial abuse occurs when a person or entity assists in taking or takes any real or personal property of an elder or dependent adult for a wrongful use or with intent to defraud, or both. Specialized expertise is required to investigate this complex type of abuse and the Board of Supervisors recently approved six new positions for this purpose.
Sadly, elder and dependent adult abuse is an underreported crime. Victims of elder abuse may be too afraid or embarrassed to report – and some victims are prevented by the abuser from reaching out for help.
If you suspect elder or dependent adult abuse -- please report it! Call the Sacramento County APS hotline at 874-9377 or contact law enforcement. For concerns about abuse in licensed care facilities, notify the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 376-8910. The identity of the reporting party is confidential and not disclosed to the victim or the abuser. For more information about APS, please visit their website.
Together, we can make our community a place where older and dependent adult residents are safe – and it starts with a telephone call.
EPPIE’S GREAT RACE
Last month Eppie’s Great Race -- otherwise known as the world’s oldest no swim triathlon -- celebrated its 41th year. Founded in 1974 by Sacramento-area restaurateur/entrepreneur, the late Eppie Johnson, the race has become an annual summertime tradition for elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts and families. The race features a 5.82-mile run, a 12.5-mile bike route and a 6.35-mile kayak paddle held along the scenic American River Parkway.
Earlier in June representatives from the race presented its contribution from the 2013 event at the Board of Supervisors meeting. The amount of contributions raised over the years has surpassed million dollars and that money goes to the race’s primary beneficiary, theTherapeutic Recreation Services Division within the Department of Regional Parks which provides therapeutic recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities residing in Sacramento County.
ARDEN ARCADE BUSINESS WALK
Friday, August 15, the Sacramento Metro Chamber and Arden Arcade Business Council will be sponsoring its annual “Business Walk” in the community that morning which involves volunteers canvassing local businesses about the area’s economic climate. In return for spending a few hours of your time, volunteers receive a complimentary breakfast before receiving survey instructions and assignments then later lunch is served as results of the walk are reported to the group.
Past efforts provided valuable input that led Sacramento County to make infrastructure improvements on major commercial corridors, address code enforcement issues as well as address public safety concerns. For more information about the business walk, please contact the Sacramento Metro Chamber.
PARKS DIRECTOR TO SPEAK
Please join me 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning, August 20, at myCommunity Coffee Meeting featuring Jeff Leatherman, Sacramento County’s Director of Regional Parks.
This meeting will be held at the Fair Oaks Water District’s conference room, 10326 Fair Oaks Blvd. near Winding Way. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. and I will give a brief update on what is going on with Sacramento County then introduce our guest speaker followed by questions and answers.
CALLING ALL MUSICIANS!
Attention musicians of all ages and levels it is not too late to be part of the “Symphony of 1000” and participate in the largest assembled orchestra in the history of Sacramento!
One day at one place, one thousand musicians will convene and play – and you can be one of them! That will be Sunday, October 12, at theSacramento Memorial Auditorium. Rehearsal will be at 1 pm followed by the performance at 4 pm.
This one of a kind musical and cultural event is the creation of Michael Neumann, the conductor and artistic director of the Sacramento Youth Symphony. It is designed to bring musicians of all ages and all levels together for an inspiring and enriching musical experience.
Dust off your old instrument and join in the excitement. Music is now available to download for practice for the big event. To register and obtain more information, please visit the Symphony of 1000 website.
FRESH FRUITS & VEGGIES
This summer enjoy the delicious fresh fruits and produce grown locally by visiting any one of the three farmers markets operating weekly thanks to BeMoneySmartUSA, a local non-profit training organization specializing in financial and business education for area youth. These local markets are open Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Shop Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm at Carmichael Park located at the corner of Grant Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard. This market hosts over 75 certified and organic farmers and specialty item vendors in a wonderful park-like setting making it a special occasion shopping for fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, herbs and more.
Wednesday visit the Farmers Market in Fair Oaks between thehours of 3 - 7 pm. Located near the corner of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Sunset Avenue, the market is being operated at the New Life Church(8101 Sunset Avenue). And there’s plenty of parking.
And if you are south of the American River on Saturday, do your shopping at the Farmers Market located at Unity of Sacramento Church, 9249 Folsom Boulevard, open from 8 am to 1 pm.
In addition to the ones identified above, BeMoneySmartUSA sponsors markets at other locations. For a complete listing, please visit the Be Money Smart website. 
LIBRARY WAREHOUSE SALE
The Friends of the Sacramento Public Library will be holding a massive weekend warehouse book sale in August.
Members of the Friends will have special access and the first opportunity to search through the literary treasure trove on Friday, August 8, starting at 5 to 8 pm. If you are not a member of the Friends, membership can be purchased at the door.
The warehouse doors will open to the general public on Saturday, August 9, at 9 am with no restrictions through to 4 pm. The same hours apply a week later on Saturday, August 16.
The Friends of the Library Warehouse is located at 8250 Belvedere Avenue, rear of suite E (located off Power Inn Road, on block south of 14th Avenue). For more information call 731-8493 or email fspl@att.net.
ARDEN-DIMICK LIBRARY SALE, TOO!
The Friends of the Arden-Dimick Library will be holding their giant one-day book sale on Thursday, August 21, from 10 am to 8 pm, in the library’s community room.
Thousands of books will be available to choose from discounted at low, low prices – and now the Friends accept debit and credit cards making it easier to stock your personal library at home. Proceeds benefit this local library’s programs.
Arden-Dimick Library is located at 891 Watt Avenue (at the corner of Watt and Northrop Avenues).
SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
At the numerous community functions I attend, residents often ask how they can keep themselves and the community safe. The best answer to that is to participate in Neighborhood Watch and a special meeting is being sponsored by the Sheriff's Department on how you can set up such an effort for your area.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department is sponsoring “Learn How to Start Up a Neighborhood Watch” Meeting specifically designed for residents living in the unincorporated area. This meeting will be held on Monday, August 18 from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Sheriff’s Marconi Stationhouse, 2500 Marconi Avenue (near the corner of Fulton Avenue and Marconi), in the Stationhouse’s Community Room.
If you are interested in making your street more secure, becoming better acquainted with your neighbors and want to build that “sense of community” on your block, Neighborhood Watch offers that opportunity. For more information about the upcoming meeting, please visit the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department website. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Crime Prevention Specialist Sherrie Carhart at scarhart@sacsheriff.com.
HELP THE NORTH HIGHLANDS JUBILEE
The North Highlands Jubilee will return this year on October 25thanks to the efforts of the Rotary Club of Foothill-Highlands and the North Highlands Vision’s Task Force.
Organizers are holding bi-weekly meetings and please contact the Rotary Club of Foothill- Highlands Event Co-Chair Jeff Donlevy at jrd@recyclingindustries.com for more information. This event is an opportunity to be part of a community project that benefits residents, promotes businesses and provides a positive image of North Highlands.
The organizers are also looking for performance groups and volunteers to help with the Jubilee. Tax deductible sponsorships are also available to support this wonderful family-oriented event. For more information, please feel free to contact Rotarian Co-Chairs Jeff Donlevy at 267-5411 or jrd@recyclingindustries.com or Patrick Magnani at 745-1000 or Patrick.magnani@edwardjones.com.
FIGHT THE BITE
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District reports the West Nile Virus is present in our area and you should take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Please take some simple steps like draining standing water that may produce mosquitoes and using an effective insect repellent (make sure to follow label directions). Another defense is to make sure door and window screens are in good working condition.
The District continues to survey the situation through trapping and testing of mosquito samples and dead birds as well as take precautionary measures. Residents can subscribe to receive email notifications for adult mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up, visit the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District website and go to Spray Notifications. District personnel are also available to address any mosquito problems at 800-429-1022.
In 2013, 15 deaths and 379 human WNV cases were reported in California.
WASTE COLLECTION REMINDER
You never have to miss another waste collection day again!
Sacramento County’s Department of Waste Management and Recycling now is offering a variety of services, including your weekly collection schedule or sign up for weekly reminders via email or phone. Please click on the Department of Waste Management and Recycling website to find out more information. 
CALL 311 FOR COUNTY SERVICES
The popular one-number to call to connect with County Services continues to be a popular tool utilized by residents of the unincorporated area to report abandoned shopping carts, illegal dumping, potholes, etc. Before any promotion began, the customer representatives were receiving nearly 100 calls a week. Now, they are steadily receiving 2,700 calls a week in addition to email and phone app reports.
For more information on how you can report illegal dumping, potholes, code enforcement issues, loose animals and more, visit 311. 
FACEBOOK FAN PAGE
For all of you that have a Facebook account please feel free to check out my Facebook fan page and I invite you to like my page so you can be notified of my postings. I will be putting information about events, activities and constituents within the Third District on the page periodically. Also please be sure to check out the pictures posted that commemorate events or accomplishments by citizens in the district. The page can be found by searching for Supervisor Susan Peters within the facebook site or you can access my page by clicking the link.
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