Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "city of folsom"

Folsom Veterans Day Parade

2011-11-15T21:56:43Z

Folsom residents saluted its 11th annual Folsom Veterans Day Parade this past Friday. Parade participants gathered at the Target parking lot on Blue Ravine Road and made their way towards City Lions Park.

The theme for this year’s celebration was “Saluting our Newest Generation of Warriors: Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.”

Thousands watched the parade as representatives from the armed forces, the City of Folsom, scout groups, community organizations and residents participated in honoring those who have served our country.

Over 2,000 participants were involved in the parade. Representatives from various JROTC, ROTC, beauty pageants, youth sports and high school marching bands were also included.

People along the route were given small flags and some brought their own to watch the parade. Many large bags of candy and other items were given out to the many spectators along the route.

Floats were created and shown off by several local businesses, schools and military groups.

Many of the scout groups also handed out thank you cards and came up to veterans along the route shaking their hand and thanking them for their service. This gesture made this Veterans Day parade a little bit more personal.

The City Lions Park hosted a reception at the Community Center and served hot dogs and soda after the parade.

Marshalls of the parade, city officials, veterans, military representatives and community members gathered at the Folsom Veterans Memorial for a special service.

Folsom Veterans Day Memorial honors those who have lost their lives serving their country. A plaque on the Veterans Memorial is simple and reads:

In remembrance of all who have served...
especially of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Folsom Veterans Day Parade honors those whose name is inscribed on the memorial and all those who have made an ultimate sacrifice.

Historic Sutter Street Revitalization Project Completed

2011-05-10T21:33:46Z

Folsom residents joined Sutter Street businesses and City of Folsom officials to celebrate the completion of the 16-month Historic Sutter Street Revitalization Project. The commemoration was held on Saturday May 7, 2011.

Thousands of Folsom residents and visitors enjoyed a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was followed by live entertainment. Live entertainment was provided by the Outlaws Dance Team, Sutter Street Theater, Cynthia’s Dance Studio, Crystal Image Band and the James Garner Johnny Cash Tribute Band.

The Eastern Ways Martial Arts Lion Dance Team was scheduled to provide the opening entertainment as well as a Wells Fargo Stagecoach Arrival ceremony but I missed these two events.

Folsom City Manager, Kerry Miller, welcomed those in attendance and gave thanks to many people who saw the project from beginning to end or who were involved in different ways.

Folsom Mayor, Andy Morin, came up to the podium to say a few words. At one point he said, “I’m in jeans today because I was prepared to go to work if we weren’t done yet. You folks are all very lucky because if we weren’t ready this was going to be one big work party. You all would have had hammers and paint brushes and we would have been finishing up the street.” As this day of celebration came closer I also had wondered if the Sutter Street Revitalization Project was going to be completed.

Andy Morin introduced a special guest saying, “A very special guest that’s here today, her name is Artie Davies. Artie Davies is 98 years old today. It is her birthday, May 7.” She has lived in Folsom for 90 years and served as Folsom City Clerk for 22 years.

Folsom Vice Mayor Ernie Sheldon, Kerri Howell and Steve Miklos, Folsom City Council members, also had some remarks for guests. Words of thanks again flowed from each of these Folsom officials as well as some humorous comments. This has been a long project that saw tenants come and go and businesses are now moving in. Businesses that have been on Sutter Street were well represented at the event and all are happy the project has been completed.

Steve Miklos started a rumor that Jim Snook was giving away free ice cream. The crowd cheered as they heard that. Later as I was inside Snooks visitors kept asking about the free ice cream even though the rumor had been dispelled.

California State Assemblyman Richard Pan and OJ Platt (representing Sacramento County Board of Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan) presented congratulatory plaques on the Revitalization Project. Candy Miller, Chair of the Historic District Commission and Jim Snook, President of the Folsom Historic District Association concluded the official remarks.

A ribbon cutting ceremony on Sutter Street followed and a photograph of the ceremony and all in attendance that could fit on a community photo posed for a historic picture. Shops on Sutter Street enjoyed visits from the many residents and visitors that came to celebrate the occasion.

Entertainment followed and informational booths were set up at every block that showcased many historic exhibits and displays. Included displays were available for the Founding of Folsom, Historic Totems were unveiled and the Folsom History Museum was open to the public. Rail history, the Murer House, Folsom Powerhouse, Sutter Street Secrets Exhibit, the Chan House (a proposed Chinese History Museum) and vintage vehicles were available for viewing.

The Revitalization Project was well attended and there was something for people of all ages. The Sutter Street project that has been going on for 15 to 16 months was finally completed much to the delight of businesses, shoppers and Folsom officials. Work is still going on around the parking garage, the Folsom Turntable and the Pioneer Village between Leidesdorff and Sutter Streets but businesses are no longer impacted.

Representatives from the Sutter Street Theatre passed out information and a schedule of future performances. Many neighbors came to enjoy the festivities that spanned along Historic Sutter Street.

Folsom’s Sutter Street gained a much needed facelift while preserving its historic background and character. The Revitalization Project will showcase Folsom’s history and continue to bring residents and visitors to the many quality shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels available on or near Sutter Street. Now it's time to rediscover Historic Folsom.

By the numbers*:

• 600 plus horse, ox and donkey shoes unearthed
• 1873 year stamped on a half-dime discovered along with other artifacts
• 150 feet of underground tunnels
• 900 Parking spots on and adjacent to Sutter Street
• 104 shops, restaurants, art galleries and other unique Historic District businesses open in 2011
• 100 shade trees
• 22 Annual special events on Sutter Street
• 1 priceless completion of the Revitalization Project

* (Thanks to Folsom’s Historic Sutter Street, Celebrating a Unique History & a Significant Revitalization pamphlet for the first 7 bullet provided in their Historic Sutter Street by the Numbers.)

Three Stages at Folsom Lake College

2011-02-07T09:22:51Z

(Three Stages at Folsom Lake College)

Folsom City College was the site of a ribbon cutting ceremony and an open house celebrating the new Three Stages building. The performing arts facility has been in the building stages since groundbreaking took place on August 18, 2008 at a cost of approximately $50 million. A State Educational Facilities General Obligation Bond was voted for by the citizens of Folsom several years ago which started the project. Other donations and district resources also helped to bring the facility to Folsom

The first performance will take place this Friday, February 11 with A Chorus Line. Tickets have been selling fast and many of those who attended the Open House took advantage to purchase tickets for individual events. A Chorus Line will play on February 11 through the 13 however the February 11 performance and grand opening gala has sold out. Two shows each for Saturday and Sunday still had tickets available.

This state-of-the-art building offers 80,000 square feet of entertainment and educational space. It has three theatres along with an Art Gallery, Rehearsal Space, Recording Studio, Practice Room and Lecture Halls. The Main Theatre has a sitting facility for 800. A Director’s Theatre seats 200 and the Recital Hall sits 100.

The Open House held on Friday allowed guests to visit the three stages and tour the Main Theatre's back stage. It is expected that national and international touring companies will take advantage of the Folsom facility in the years to come. Many events have already been scheduled up to the end of May.

As guests arrived for the Open House and Ribbon Cutting ceremonies they were directed to the Main Theatre (Stage 1). Upon entering the theatre people sat where they wanted for a series of speeches and where the first ribbon cutting ceremony was going to take place. It was decided that ribbon cutting at each of the stages would show guests where each stage was situated. The open house self-guided tours followed.

Several dignitaries were on hand to welcome the audience and thank those that made significant contributions and making things possible. Dr. Thelma Scott-Skillman, President, Folsom Lake College started off by announcing the Color Guard which was the El Dorado Hills Boy Scout troop 645.

Dr. Scott-Skillman started off by saying, “Thank you for coming, I’d like to thank each and every one of you to the Three Stages at Folsom Lake College. It’s very exciting to be able to open up the brand new venue of Three Stages Performing Arts Center that’s going to literally transform not only this region but the lives of many individuals throughout this region over the next several decades to come.” She went on to thank everybody that she could think of that was involved in the project.

(Dr. Thelma Scott-Skillman)

Dr. Brice Harris, Chancellor, Los Rios Community College District (LRCCD) was introduced and he said a few words. He started off by saying, “On behalf of Los Rios, welcome.” He introduced other people who were sitting in the audience and up on stage. “I’d like to thank all of you.” Dr. Harris said to the audience. He continued, “It was through you at the ballot box and for supporting our local bonds. It was through your support that this facility is here today.”

Terry Cochran, President, LRCCD Board of Trustees took the podium and said a few words. “I’m just going to say thank you to a few people. Brice thanked a lot of people but forgot to thank himself. It was he that came to the board, about 14 years ago, and said ‘You know I have an idea maybe we can put up a community theater not only for education but for our community in Folsom.’ Fourteen years later here we are, we started with a vision and made it into reality and isn’t this wonderful.” Thus the story of how the project began was given. He went on to thank the city of Folsom for helping everything come true.

Roger Niello, former Assemblyman, 5th District for the State of California, came to the microphone to say a few words as well. “I’m here really with the very great honor to make a few comments about this magnificent facility with which I really didn’t have anything to do all.” He got a few laughs and said, “I look at this and we talk about facilities like this and the important features it provides. This is truly a jewel of Folsom.”

Andy Morin, Mayor, City of Folsom followed Roger Niello “I’ll start out by saying and kind of observing these folks up here,” relating to the other people on stage. Morin said, “This is probably the worst performance you’re going to see on this stage.” his humor was appreciated. He thanked those that helped with the project as well and emphasized that the facility will be appreciated by the students on campus which is over 9,000 now. He thanked all the residents in the region not just Folsom and energizes other business in the area.

(City of Folsom Mayor Andy Morin)

The President of the Associated Student Government, Meghan O’Donnell introduced herself as she came to the microphone. “It’s an honor to welcome you on behalf of the students of Folsom Lake College. This is a momentous day for the students, the college and the community.” Meghan went on to emphasize the use by students in helping them showcase their talent. The new art and entertainment facility would also be a platform for artists in the area as well as national and international entertainment.

Larry Metcalf, a faculty member of the Music Department thanked the audience on behalf of the faculty. “Students, faculty and staff will be able to collaborate with professionals with over 400 performances a year,” said Metcalf. “Today we open a new series of stages. Stage 1 is the foundation for commitment to academic excellence and quality education for our students. Stage 2 is the partnership between the community and the college, and finally Stage 3; this unique facility we’re in today is a showcase venue for the capital region in bringing programs of artistic merit to our region.” With this he thanked everyone again for showing up for this celebration.

Bill Altavilla, Executive Board, Folsom Lake College Foundation, thanked donors who had their names, in plaques, on seats around the theatre. He thanked all the businesses around Folsom and individuals who donated and made the vision a reality.

David Pier, Executive Director of Three Stages was the last speaker and after announcing his many thanks directed everyone's attention to the first ribbon cutting ceremony. Ribbon cutting started with the Main Theatre officially opening Stage One. After that the Stage 2 and Stage 3 would also have a ribbon cutting ceremony. Two other ribbon cuttings would take place at the Bank of America Gallery and Wells Fargo Concessions/Café area.

(Bank of America Gallery)

The Bank of America Gallery already had an exhibition going. This gallery opened with a photography exhibit. A “Luces y Sombras” (Lights and Shadows), it featured 38 pieces by world renowned photographers such as Paul Strand and Brett Weston.

The Folsom Lake College Chamber Brass provided some musical entertainment and refreshments were provided for guests free of charge.

All three stages featured state-of-the-art seating and equipment. I’ve regularly passed by Folsom City College since it opened and looked forward to the Performing Arts building to be completed. Three Stages at Folsom Lake College will be a source of pride for the City of Folsom in the years to come.

Log on to the Three Stages web site to view upcoming events and purchase tickets on line. Parking is free on weekends and for those buying tickets in advance. Tickets can also be purchased via phone from the ticket office at 916-608-6888.

Residents from Folsom and surrounding areas look forward to performances from international artists, regional companies and Folsom Lake College productions.