Newest articles and comments on The Sacramento Press written by Karen Bakula

Modern Day Inspiration And Skater Athleticism

2013-02-05T23:58:59Z

Combining the contemporary stories of two modern-day princesses, Rapunzel and Tiana, with the classic elegance of Cinderella, Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream whisks audiences away on exciting journeys where dreams really do come true. This latest production will appear at Sacramento’s Sleep Train Arena, February 13 through 18, 2013.

“There’s something within each of the stories of Tangled, The Princess and the Frog, and Cinderella that speaks to women and girls and families around the world,” says Producer Nicole Feld. “Each of these princesses is searching for what truly makes them happy. And I think that’s very reflective of what audiences are like today.”

“This show is different from anything we’ve ever done...,” says Producer Juliette Feld. “…it also marks the first time Rapunzel is featured on the ice with her tremendous amount of hair.”

In adapting Tangled to the ice for the first time, Director Patty Vincent was challenged with how to convey all of Rapunzel’s hair without interfering with the skating. During the segment, 2,000 feet of silk representing Rapunzel’s magical, golden tresses winds throughout the rafters of the arena and drapes down to the ice for use in a heart-stopping aerial act never before seen in a Disney On Ice production. Rapunzel and Flynn Rider escape the tower, flying 25 feet up in the air and performing daring acrobatics.

“The performers trained for six weeks just to build their upper body strength, because skaters use very different muscles when ice skating,” says Vincent. “It works perfectly on the ice because they don’t have to run; they just skate, and they’re lifted into the air and begin a gorgeous athletic act.”

Under the direction of Choreographer Cindy Stuart and Aerial Trainer Anna Kaminnik, the performers mastered the blend of ice and aerial choreography in which Rapunzel and Flynn fly above the arena floor and slowly descend to the ice in a fluid motion, creating a feeling of constant movement.

Another distinctive design element is the revolving set, an idea conceived by Scenic Designer Stan Meyer. When the set morphs into Rapunzel’s forest, a paneled backdrop of pastel flora and butterflies opens and a majestic tower slowly emerges, rising from the ice as golden hair falls from the window.

Lighting Designer Peter Morse incorporated these same pastels and royal colors by surrounding the audience in rich shades of purple, a prominent color in Rapunzel’s world. When Rapunzel and Flynn Rider finally reach the end of their journey, the entire arena goes dark as a single lantern slowly floats up into the air, and suddenly, lanterns illuminate the sky above the audience.

“When we create Disney On Ice, what we’re hoping to do, aside from bringing families together and telling great stories, is create memorable moments,” says Producer Kenneth Feld. “In the Tangled sequence, there is one moment that is absolutely unforgettable. At every show, one special child is picked to launch the first lantern. All you see is the one lantern that goes up, and as soon as it reaches the top, all the other lanterns light up the arena. It’s breathtaking.”

EVENT DETAILS: Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream

DATE: Wednesday, February 13 through Monday, February 18, 2013

LOCATION: Sleep Train Arena – One Sports Parkway, Sacramento, CA 95834

INFORMATION: Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, (800)-745-3000 or at the arena Box Office. Additional information: DisneyOnIce.com

Disclosure: Karen Bakula is President of Karen Bakula & Company, Inc. and provides marketing services to Disney On Ice.

Disney On Ice production features current and classic princesses

2013-01-23T20:39:27Z

Dreams and imagination—the greatest princess-themed Disney fairytales—take center stage in a royal celebration as Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream, February 13-18, 2013 at Sacramento’s Sleep Train Arena.

The ice sets a spectacular scene with grand set pieces and appearances by current princesses from Tangled and The Princess and the Frog, as well as a beloved classic beauty, Cinderella. A cast of world-class skaters glides across the arena illustrating stories about romance, humor and adventure—bringing memorable moments from these cherished Disney films to life in a contemporary skating production.

Throughout the show, surprises come from every corner. According to Scenic Designer Stan Meyer when asked which aspect of the set will surprise audiences, he replied, “I was super-excited the very first time I saw Rapunzel’s hair get cut off and waft down to the ice. It’s a really emotional, super dramatic moment in the show. In a very theatrical way, I think the set facilitates the same sort of feeling that the animation portrayed.” From beginning to end it is a show not to be missed.

Disney’s Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen and the Frog share their tale with romance and humor while Rapunzel, her companions Flynn and Maximus, embark on an epic adventure. Rounding out the production, the story of Cinderella comes to life as she meets her Prince Charming with a glass slipper fit for a fantasy come true.

Especially suited for kids and adults of all ages, the musical journey of Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dram plunges into a world where anything is possible.

Producer Juliette Feld’s dream for families who attend the show is, “…that they will truly have an escape from their every day routine. I would love for the audience to be dancing in the aisles to all the music of The Princess and the Frog, fall in love with Cinderella all over again, and be completely enraptured with Rapunzel and Flynn’s journey. I hope that families will come into the arena, be transported to the worlds of these three amazing princesses and have memories that will last a lifetime.”

EVENT DETAILS: Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream
Wednesday, February 13 – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 14 – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, February 15 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 16 – 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 17 – 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Monday, February 18 – 12:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Sleep Train Arena – One Sports Parkway, Sacramento, CA 95834

INFORMATION: Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, (800)-745-3000 or at the arena Box Office. Additional information: DisneyOnIce.com

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Disclosure: Karen Bakula is President of Karen Bakula & Company, Inc. and provides marketing services to Disney On Ice.

Festival signals start of the holiday shopping season

2012-10-24T21:39:01Z

Display It, Wear It, Show It, Enjoy It is the theme of this year’s 15th Annual Sacramento Arts Festival, November 2 – 4, 2012, at the Sacramento Convention Center. With over 225 of America’s best contemporary craftspeople and fine artists, the weekend offers a chance to become emmersed in more than 15,000 original works of art. In keeping with tradition, the festival theme is the holidays and the floor of the Sacramento Convention Center Exhibit Hall will be decorated accordingly. Tradditionally, the Sacramento Arts Festival signals the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season.

From abstract to traditional, modern to whimsical, the festival includes ceramic artists, woodworkers, painters, sculptors and jewelers as well as a vast array of one-of-a-kind artwork. Three prominent art galleries, from the Sacramento, Davis and Grass Valley regions, will also participate. In addition to the spectaular art, interactive settings will put artists and fans together for fascinating close up demonstrations.

“I spend months visiting cities and artists around the country to find just the right mix of talent for the Sacramento Arts Festival,” said Warren Cook, Producer. “Northern California is home to many of the best, which will be reflected in the exhibitors at this year’s event.”

Alongside the professional artists, young local talent will also be on display. The Sacramento Area Schools Art Competition Gallery will showcase artwork from Sacramento area elementary, middle and high school competitions judged by two noted artists from the Sacramento Arts Festival.

An entertainment “rest stop” of sorts will provide talented performers of comedy, juggling, and music while Restaurant Row provides the good eats—a great place to relax between shopping sprees.

“The economy has forced people to contemplate their extra purchases—making every one a standout—unique, memorable and personal,” contemplated Warren Cook. “The festival is a great place to stretch your holiday dollars with one-of-a-kind holiday gift purchases.”

What: The 15th Annual Sacramento Arts Festival
When: November 2 – 4, 2012
Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m.—5:00p.m.
Where: Sacramento Convention Center, 14th and J Streets
Ticket Prices: Adults-$8.00 Seniors-$7.00 Under 12 yrs.-FREE!
*Discount Coupons: $1.00 off admission available at: sacartsfest.com
Event Information: (805) 461-6700 or www.sacartsfest.com

Disclosure: Karen Bakula is President of Karen Bakula & Company, Inc. and provides marketing services to The Sacramento Arts Festival.

Mayor recognizes co-ops as vital part of local business community

2012-10-24T19:29:39Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson and the Sacramento City Council have unanimously approved a resolution declaring October 2012 as “Co-op Month” and honoring 2012 as the “Year of Cooperatives” in Sacramento.

“Co-ops are a vital part of Sacramento’s economic lifeblood, employing hundreds of workers and injecting millions of dollars into our economy,” said Steven Maviglio, President of the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, one of the largest co-op’s in the city. “We appreciate the recognition by the Mayor and Council of the critical importance of co-ops to our city and nation.”

Co-ops are member-owned and controlled businesses that operate for the mutual benefit of members. For more than a century, they have been a vital part of Sacramento and the world’s economies. Major cooperatives in Sacramento include Golden One Credit Union, California Co-op Cab, Farmers Rice Cooperative, and the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-operative.

Co-ops operate in every county in California and in numerous sectors, including financial, credit, energy, telecommunications, food distribution, retailing, child care, housing, and health care.

There are more than 29,000 cooperatives in the United States. They generated more than two million jobs and annual sales exceeding $652 billion. There are more than 800 million owners of cooperatives worldwide, with 1.5 million owners in California alone.

Disclosure: Karen Bakula is President of Karen Bakula & Company, Inc. and provides marketing services to the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op

Free Power And Cookies On Thursday Help Info Gathering About Best Travel Perks

2012-07-25T18:46:25Z

The Ultimate Road Trip Across America Comes To Sacramento

What makes for the best travel and hotel experience? The hospitality industry wants to know and that's the information they will seek from tourists and locals alike on Thursday, July 26th. Beginning at 11:00 a.m., the DoubleTree by Hilton “Little Things Project” will visit Old Sacramento's waterfront area for a unique pop-up event experience. The object is to offer tourists and locals alike a welcome break from a hectic day. Visitors to the Power Up Bar will enjoy a free famous DoubleTree by Hilton chocolate chip cookie and can plug in to the Power Bar WiFi hotspot to connect and charge their phone or other technology before heading to their next destination.

The Power Up Bar hit the road for a 50-city tour earlier this Spring, taking in feedback that will make its way into additional hospitality benefits at DoubleTree by Hilton hotels worldwide. To date, more than 5,000 people have contributed feedback , identifying the perks that make their travel experiences memorable. On the tour to date, travelers and locals have most frequently said that good customer service and comfort are the two most important features of their travel experience.

“This is a great way to get feedback that will ensure that we remain on top of our guests' preferred hospitality perks," stated Ken Leone, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento. “In the current economy, travelers are very specific about their budgets and services. Hotels can't afford to ignore the insight of travelers. It's also a great opportunity for us to say ‘thank you’ to the community that has been so good to us over the years.”

EVENT DETAILS

Event: FREE Power Up Bar And BIG Chocolate Chip Cookie Giveaway, sponsored by DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento

Date: Thursday, July 26, 2012

Time: Beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Location: Old Sacramento Waterfront—Look for the big Power Bar Station and Pop Up

FREE power and over 3,000 of the DoubleTree by Hilton signature chocolate chip cookies will be given away during the event.

Just for stopping by, Power Up visitors will also receive FREE tickets to area events including Hornblower Tours, California State Fair, discount passes to the area engagement of Pheneus and Ferb, among others, and can register to win a FREE IPad.

Disclosure: Karen Bakula is President of Karen Bakula & Company, Inc. and provides marketing services to the DoubleTree By Hilton Sacramento.

Everest Urgent Care Begins New Chapter In Providing Affordable Medical Care To Area Residents

2012-07-23T21:20:44Z

Chronic emergency room overcrowding and costs for non-emergency care in California continue to escalate as consumers battle the economics of affordable living and healthcare during an increasingly difficult economic climate. With emergency room costs approximately 700% more than the cost for the same level of medical care at an urgent care facility, it’s a small wonder that according to the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, 65 California emergency rooms have closed in the last decade alone. Healthcare has become a privilege rather than a right. Into this contentious setting, Everest Urgent Care launches in Sacramento, offering a new day for consumers where the patient’s health is the first priority.

Located in Sacramento, at 3635 Bradshaw Road, Everest Urgent Care just opened its first 2,800 square foot center, providing area residents with non-emergency medical care regardless of their insurance circumstance. The state-of-the-art facility features six exam rooms, with one room specifically dedicated to triage, and digital x-ray equipment that will allow patients to take a copy of their x-rays with them upon departure. An on-site laboratory provides a vast majority of medical tests and the on-site pharmacy can fulfill immediate, prescribed patient needs. In addition to treatment for singular injuries and illnesses, Everest Urgent Care will collaborate with the market’s major health care providers to refer patients, according to their individual ongoing medical needs.

Everest will also provide a host of preventative care features; and occupational health and worker’s comp services for employees and employers. Additionally, Everest’s medical staff will diagnose and treat common sports-related injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, cuts, bumps and bruises with splints, casts and braces to ensure complete care of injuries. Trauma, open wound care and other more common issues will also be treated by the medical staff of Everest Urgent Care. For individuals bound for domestic or international destinations, Everest Urgent Care can also provide the necessary vaccinations.

Everest Urgent Care CEO, Richard Kerr, has appointed Dr. Jeffrey Moy as lead physician. Moy, who received his MD from University of California, Davis, has extensive medical experience and has served the Sacramento community for over two decades. Center Administrator, Mike Cornelius, will oversee Everest Urgent Care. Cornelius has dedicated the past 20 years to prominent national healthcare companies, focusing on the clinical—accentuating responsive patient needs and developing efficient operational facets.

Kerr envisions the Sacramento center to become the first of many Everest Urgent Care centers throughout the region. Providing non-emergency medical services to a balanced mix of working class residents, businesses, schools, churches as well as public and private agencies, Everest offers compassionate medical care that is both cost-effective and time efficient.

“With only approximately 15% of patients in hospital emergency rooms seen as true emergency cases, 85% of patients that traditionally go to an ER do not have a true medical emergency. There’s a huge gap in service that we can begin to fill, saving people time and money and all of the stress that comes with an unexpected medical occurrence,” said Richard Kerr, CEO.

The community impact of Everest Urgent Care will be dramatic. According to the ACSM American Fitness Index 2012, Sacramento is failing to meet the demand in availability of primary care, with 92.5 primary health care providers per 100,000 persons. The target goal is 105.6. Accessibility to inexpensive healthcare is crucial for the well being of the local residents. This year, The American Fitness Index ranked Sacramento the sixth healthiest city in the nation; the opening of Everest Urgent Care will do its part to move the needle further in favor of the increased well being of Sacramento residents.

Disclosure: Karen Bakula is President of Karen Bakula & Company, Inc., which manages marketing services for Everest Urgent Care.

CROWDS MIGRATE TO PACIFIC FLYWAY FESTIVAL CELEBRATING AMERICA'S OLDEST ART FORM

2012-07-09T21:57:59Z

SACRAMENTO, CA – America’s oldest art form will be celebrated in grand style when the top U.S. and Canadian professional and amateur birding enthusiasts, carvers and artists gather in Sacramento for the popular 42nd Annual Pacific Flyway Decoy Association’s Classic Wildlife Art Festival, Saturday and Sunday, July 14-15, 2012, DoubleTree Hotel Sacramento, 2001 Point West Way. Designed for adults and kids of all ages, novices and “birders” alike, the event celebrates traditional wildlife artworks with contests, displays of carvings, fine art, priceless antique decoys, sculpture and interactive kids activities.

“Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast, woodworker, birdwatcher, hunter, or fisherman, the weekend festival is an opportunity to marvel at the intricacies involved with the art of capturing wildlife in action through carvings, sculpture and paintings,” stated Jim Burcio, Vice President of the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association and an award-winning decoy artist.

The second longest running decoy carving festival in the nation, the event benefits the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association’s public education programs that emphasize the beauty of our native bird population and the original American art form of decoy carving, right here in the heart of the Pacific Flyway.

Some of the most entertaining and educational event activities include the Kid’s Painting Station. Kids of all ages will enjoy painting a carved bird art piece, in step-by-step fashion, to the finished work of art. This year, kids will have the chance to paint a drake Goldeneye!

And in a subtle nod to educators, kids can take part in a Migration Activity—a journey, much like migrating waterfowl, in search of six specific birds on the festival’s exhibition floor. When the task is successfully completed, everyone receives a migration certificate, the same as those used by The Federal Migratory Research Program (that shows where a bird was banded, migrated and collected).

Judged art, paint and float competitions will take place on the floor of the exhibition throughout the weekend for all to enjoy, along with endless displays of wildfowl carvings, decoys, songbirds and priceless antique decoys. Many of the West Coast’s top experts in carving, painting, airbrushing, texturing and tool operating will provide “how to” demonstrations in these techniques—eager to share their craft with the growing population of wildlife enthusiasts.

Exhibitors will also be on hand to sell carving supplies, sculptures, books, wildlife artwork, prints, photography and original watercolors—showcasing the many art forms that capture wildlife beauty.

The Pacific Flyway Decoy Association is a 501 C 3 non-profit association, dedicated to the preservation of wildfowl art through education. The organization and its remarkable history is now archived in the Library of Congress.

EVENT DETAILS
EVENT: Pacific Flyway Decoy Association 42nd Annual Classic Wildlife Art Festival

WHERE: DoubleTree Hotel, 2001 Point West Way, Sacramento CA 95815

WHEN: Saturday, July 14, 2012, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 15, 2012, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

TICKETS: $5.00 for the weekend, children under 12 years of age—FREE!

INFO: www.pacificflyway.org

Disclosure: Disclosure: Karen Bakula is President of Karen Bakula & Company, Inc., which manages public relations services for the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association Classic Wildlife Art Festival.

St. Paul's Retires Debt and Prepares for Next Phase

2012-05-31T19:19:08Z

ST. PAUL’S RETIRES DEBT AND PREPARES
FOR NEXT PHASE

Longest Reigning Area Pastor Celebrates Historic Occasion With The Sacramento Community And
Congregation 5,000 Strong

For many people struggling through these hard economic times, the church has been a place to find solace and comfort and, for some, a temporary home for food and shelter. But when it comes to paying the bills, and the mortgage, some churches find themselves as hard-pressed as their congregants. A beacon of strength in the heart of Oak Park, St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church defies the odds. Pastor Dr. Ephraim Williams and community business and governmental leaders will retire the mortgage for its $7 million Family Life Center in a Mortgage Burning Community Celebration, Sunday, June 10, 2012, 3:30 p.m., 3996 14th Avenue. The event is free and open to the public.

Pastor Dr. Williams leads St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, one of the largest congregations in the region. During his over 41-year tenure, the church has grown from approximately 100 to over 5,000 members, with followers traveling from as far as Redding and the San Francisco area. Pastor Williams dedication to public service and community involvement led to the opening of the Dr. Ephraim Williams Family Life Center. The non-profit facility hosts numerous beneficial events and services for the surrounding community.

In three short years, the Family Life Center grew to a fully functioning facility with dramatic impact benefiting the entire community. The center hosts a summertime Algebra Academy for youth, basketball camps, youth and men’s basketball leagues, nutrition training programs for youth, an annual Teen and Youth Education Summit, computer training workshops, after school tutoring, and forums on foster family issues and child protective services’ response to those needs. Additionally, the complex offers a collegiate-size multi-purpose gymnasium for basketball and volleyball, aerobic/cardio exercise room, free weight room, computer training and work lab, classrooms for educational outreach, and Sunday school.

The Family Life Center has been awarded community grants and built partnerships that have expanded the facility into a lifestyle program and education center. A partnership with the City of Sacramento has resulted in the center providing safe, temporary shelter and food for those without homes, an on site/seasonal farmer’s market and a joint program with the Sheriff’s Athletic League—offering a safe gang-free place for youth to mingle with law enforcement officers in a casual, congenial atmosphere.
During Pastor Dr. Williams’ tenure at St. Paul’s, he has retired three mortgages and led the campaigns to raise millions of dollars in support of the initial fundraising efforts for each mortgaged facility. Now, he retires the mortgage for the $7 million, 43,000 square foot Family Life Center—the star of the upcoming Mortgage Burning Community Celebration of June 10th.

“I like to think of our church and Family Life Center facilities as the foundation for building people—their educational and spiritual growth that gives them a purpose in life,” states Pastor Dr. Williams. “Without the enthusiastic support of our congregation and the community, our achievements would not be as significant.”

The June 10th Celebration includes speeches from notable community and governmental business leaders, Pastor Dr. Williams and Mayor Kevin Johnson, musical performances including the 100 voice men’s choir, as well as refreshments and tours of the Family Life Center following the celebration. Additional event information: (916) 737-7070 or www.stpaulsac.org.

Disclosure: Karen Bakula is President of Karen Bakula & Company, Inc., which manages public relations services for St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and Willaims' Family Life Center.

THE CIVIL WAR RETURNS TO GIBSON RANCH PARK

2012-05-09T21:20:51Z

THE CIVIL WAR RETURNS TO GIBSON RANCH PARK
Hundreds Of Re-enactors Commemorate
The 150th Anniversary Of The Civil War

SACRAMENTO, CA – Thousands of area residents will time travel to the 1860’s Civil War, marked by the first battles fought by soldiers of the North and South over the elimination of slavery and preservation of the Union. The setting for this fun, interactive and monumental living history event is The Civil War Experience, May 19-20, 2012, at Gibson Ranch Regional Park, 8856 Gibson Ranch Road, Elverta. The weekend events are preceded by an interactive living history day for over 2,000 students from area schools, Friday, May 18, 2012.

The stage will be set for hundreds of Civil War re-enactors from throughout the West Coast who will travel to Gibson Ranch and set up traditional 19th Century camps on the lush, 300 acre park grounds for the weekend festivities. A sight to behold, these volunteers/re-enactors wear period dress and battle attire the entire weekend and tackle the same living and sleeping conditions as the traditional 19th Century camps that followed and participated in the Civil War battles.

“The Civil War is still the most grueling conflict the U.S. has ever experienced with over 1 million men and women losing their lives,” stated Doug Ose, General Manager of the now privately operated Gibson Ranch Regional Park. “This special weekend event invites you to experience what that time was like. Gibson Ranch is the perfect place for this event—we have plenty of wide open space for the living history camps and the Civil War battle re-enactments. Families can spread their picnic blankets and enjoy the day, fish in the pond and explore the new improvements to the park.”

The weekend events will also celebrate the 150th Anniversary of The Civil War, featuring large-scale battle re-enactments and heroic acts of courage with all of the drama and firepower of cannons, artillery and other battle weapons of the time. (Not recommended for small children or pets.)

Presented by Gibson Ranch Park and the National Civil War Association, The Civil War Experience at Gibson Ranch Regional Park takes the 21st Century U.S citizen back to the greatest upheaval in our history and the largest loss of life in any war since.

The Civil War Experience At Gibson Ranch Regional Park

The 150th Anniversary of The Civil War

DATES/TIMES:
Friday, May 18, 2012—AREA SCHOOLS LIVING HISTORY DAY
Beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Over 2,000 area school children, 5th grade through high school, will take part in a special living history day—a culmination of bringing the Civil War history curriculum to life, introduced into each participating school’s classroom earlier this year.

Saturday, May 19 – Sunday, May 20, 2012—THE CIVIL WAR EXPERIENCE
Park opens daily to the public at 9:00 a.m.
Saturday—Events continue until 5:00 p.m.
Sunday—Events continue until 3:00 p.m.
Enjoy Civil War battle re-enactments (twice daily) featuring hundreds of re-enactors from throughout the West Coast, living history camps, fashion shows, speeches by President Abraham Lincoln, food concessions, musical entertainment and 19th Century era arts and crafts

LOCATION: Gibson Ranch Regional Park, 8556 Gibson Ranch Road, Elverta

EVENT/TICKET INFO: (916) 806-3868
General admission: $7.00 per person, ages 10 years and up (Parking included)

Disclosure: Karen Bakula is President of Karen Bakula & Company, Inc., which manages public relations services for The Civil War Experience and Gibson Ranch Regional Park.

EXPERIENCE A DAY ON THE FARM!

2012-05-09T19:34:01Z

EXPERIENCE A DAY ON THE FARM!
Learn, Eat & Celebrate! Sunday, May 20, 2012

A Day on the Farm, Sunday, May 20, 2012, at Soil Born Farms’ American River Ranch is an enjoyable day on the only organic farm in the area, plus an educational opportunity for the entire family. Sponsored by the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, the 40-acre farm serves as a living educational resource, with emphasis on food, nutrition, ecological farming and sustainable living. The day includes a wide variety of farm life-oriented, engaging events and hands-on activities tailored for both youth and adults.

The Sacramento National Food Co-op sponsored event charming landscape, and activities that focus on good health. Event highlights include farm tours, cooking classes, as well as workshops on beekeeping, composting and raising chickens. Special activities for kids include arts and crafts, nature explorations, games and fitness activities as well as cooking, storytelling and a visit with farm animals.

During the action-packed day, nutritious and delicious meal choices and snacks will be available at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op Farmstand Café. Soil Born Farms dedication to producing certified organic vegetables and fruits will also be evident with a wide selection of produce available for purchase at their Farm Stand. And, it’s back! The popular organic plant sale will provide the tools necessary for local residents to create their dream gardens!

The American River Ranch is home to Soil Born Farms’ Urban Agriculture & Education Project – urban farmland dedicated to hands-on education programs. Every year, the project connects thousands of city dwellers with locally grown organic food. The 40-acre farm serves as a living educational resource, with emphasis on food, nutrition, ecological farming and sustainable living. In addition, Soil Born Farms’ innovative food access programs expand to reach area residents of underserved neighborhoods.

Join Soil Born Farms and the Sacramento National Food Co-op on their journey toward a healthier Sacramento.

What: A Day on the Farm
When: Sunday, May 20, 2012 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: American River Ranch, 2140 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova (located next to Hagan Park, between mile markers 15 and 16 on the American River Bike Trail)
Cost: $5 suggested donation
Event/schedule: www.sacfoodcoop.com

Hyatt Regency Sacramento Completes Multi-Year, Multi-Million Dollar Renovation

2012-01-10T22:01:36Z

Historically, the travel and tourism industry has proven to be resilient. In good news for hoteliers, strong growth will continue in 2012 proving there’s a method behind the long-forecasted, now completed renovation work at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, and a reason to celebrate the Hyatt’s achievements as the hotel hosts VIPS at its Renovation Celebration, Thursday, January 12, 1209 L Street, downtown Sacramento, across from the State Capitol.

The Hyatt began the long-awaited $3 million Phase II renovation last summer, finishing the hotel’s “public spaces," including the lobby floor, Amourath lobby lounge, Vines Restaurant, second floor meeting space and the 15th Floor Capitol View Room—featuring the region’s most spectacular 360 views of Sacramento and the State Capitol.

In late 2009, the Hyatt Regency Sacramento completed Phase I of a multi-million dollar renovation of its 503 guestrooms spanning 12 floors. Stately elegance served as the inspiration for the hotel’s design, incorporating a rich color palate and a host of modern, efficient amenities that the 21st Century traveler has come to appreciate.

A creative endeavor of Austin, Texas-based interior design firm Looney & Associates, the Hyatt’s elegant and minimalist lines including wall treatments, furnishings and artwork is designed to enhance the hotel’s public space and provide a comfortable retreat that reflects the appeal of the outdoor environment. The guest check in area has also been redesigned with today’s traveler in mind—gone are the harsh and expansive counters which have been replaced by “guest pods” that allow hotel staff to walk around to greet guests, creating a more personal and friendly relationship.

The 15-story Mediterranean-designed Hyatt Regency Sacramento was built in 1988 amid much civic fanfare; a stunning achievement and important investment in the redevelopment of the central downtown business community and a critical partner in the future of the local convention and tourism industry. It features over 500 guestrooms, 28,000 square feet of meeting space, a roof top banquet room with the most spectacular views of Sacramento, as well as two award-winning restaurants--Dawson's and Vines Cafe.

“This multi-year renovation has long been planned, despite the economic circumstances we faced when we began this process in 2009,” stated Scott Vandenberg, Hyatt Regency Sacramento General Manager. “Now that we’ve finished, we’re well positioned to grow our business and continue to influence the economic development of downtown Sacramento’s core.”

Historically, the travel and tourism industry has proven to be resilient. Hotels will continue to see strong growth in 2012, primarily driven by steady demand for hotel rooms expected to increase through third quarter 2012 (www.TravelClick.com). Occupancy rates across the country are up 3.6 percent with business travel continuing slow but positive gains each quarter. With corporate travel playing a key role in driving overall growth of the travel industry, the hospitality industry is poised to gain brand loyal clientele based on prompt and friendly staff and amenities that enhance business traveler efficiencies (Deloitte business traveler survey, December 2011).

Additionally, guest profiles, preferences and travel history will assure that the hospitality industry continues to provide personalized attention to its guests. (Hospitality Trends) The alluring design and enhanced comforts of the newly renovated Hyatt Regency Sacramento will leave guests well-rested, re-energized and ready for their destination adventure in Sacramento.

To mark the Hyatt’s celebration, officials announced that the Sacramento Hyatt is one of only 27 Hyatt properties worldwide to be awarded a grant for a local non-profit organization aligned with the Hyatt’s philanthropic goals. Hyatt Sacramento officials will present a $15,000 check to their nominated non-profit organization, Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center, to enhance their community programs.

Disclosure: Karen Bakula is President of Karen Bakula & Company, Inc., which has a consulting relationship with the Hyatt Regency Sacramento.

College makes EPIC leap to new, expanded campus

2011-08-10T21:00:28Z

On the heels of another record-setting year of increased enrollment, EPIC Bible College (formerly Trinity Life Bible College), has located to a new campus. EPIC will host a VIP and Media “Hard Hat” Tour and Reception on its new campus, 4330 Auburn Blvd., Thursday, August 11, 2011, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The new college campus is located just off of the Interstate 80 corridor and includes over 30,000 square feet of space—nearly four times the size of its former home off of Madison Avenue at Hillsdale Blvd.—with plenty of on site parking and “front door” access to public transportation.

EPIC’s early relocation came about as a result of the economic “perfect storm”—a withering local commercial real estate market, a wealth of reasonably priced property, and EPIC’s initial new campus grassroots fundraising campaign that exceeded all expectations. Ultimately, EPIC’s officials settled on the Auburn Boulevard location, previously owned by a local LLC.

The $2.3 million new campus project began January 1 earlier this year, with the launch of a 45 day fundraising campaign to raise nearly $390,000 for Phase I: the new campus down payment. Following the overwhelming success of Phase I, Phase II is currently underway and includes a $350,000 fundraising effort for additional building improvements—construction and expansion of new classroom and administrative facilities, installation of communication services and a new university-specific technology platform—the same system currently utilized by the University of Michigan.

EPIC Bible College begins construction inside its new campus this week, with plans for completion of both building improvements and Phase II fundraising within several weeks. In the meantime, donations of goods and services—including new furniture, computer systems, video monitors and equipment for the music labs and college library and resource center, continue to pour in—valued at over $250,000 and growing.

“The generosity of our students, alumni and community never ceases to amaze me,” stated Dr. Ronald Harden, DD, President, EPIC Bible College. “As a result, we are now putting together a group of contractors to produce a version of an ‘Extreme Makeover’ of our new college campus so that we can accelerate Phase II of our campaign that much quicker.”

EPIC’s new building improvements include: state-of-the-art classrooms designed to accommodate up to 35 students in each, music labs, computer labs, an expanded college library and resource center, student and faculty lounges, a new 1,800 square foot Chapel, EPIC Hall—special purpose space for community gatherings and graduations, wings of offices for college administration and faculty, and the EPIC Courtyard overlooking Arcade Creek, offering the entire campus community a peaceful place for meditation, study, meal and class breaks.

As EPIC Bible College settles into its new home, the administration will begin long range development and implementation of new programs—including online, graduate and doctoral degrees—a much desired addition to its current offering of two and four year degree programs.

Disclosure: Karen Bakula is President of Karen Bakula & Company, Inc., which manages public relations services for EPIC Bible College