A $1,000 grand prize goes to the winner of a poetry contest sponsored by Christian Fine Arts Society.
Everyone is welcome to enter the contest and compete for one of the 25 prizes totaling $5,000.
To enter, send one poem of 21 lines or less to Free Poetry Contest, 7308 Heritage Dr., Mt. Vernon, IN 47620. Your poem may be written on any subject, using any style.
The deadline is Oct. 25. You may also enter online at www.freecontest.com. A winner’s list will be sent to all entrants.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Plant Sale in Sac
Over 200 varieties of new, rare and hard-to-find perennials will be for sale on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Midtown Sacramento. The sale will benefit the Sunburst Projects, which helps children living with HIV/AIDS. The public is encouraged to come out and support this organization by purchasing a plant at the sale, which will be held in the converted parking on 18th and J Streets, behind The Gifted Gardener. If you have any questions about the sale, or would like to donate, call Bob Hamm at (916) 943-6183 or e-mail gardennotes@sbcglobal.net
Swish and Sip
Nugget Market in Elk Grove will host a wine tasting of 3 Girls wine on Friday, Oct. 2. Tasting starts at 5 p.m. and lasts 'til 7 p.m. Guests meet in the cafe. $3 per tasting.
Nugget Market is located at 7101 Elk Grove Blvd.
Nugget Market is located at 7101 Elk Grove Blvd.
Crocker Family History
Treasures, Curiosities and Secrets: The Crocker and the Gilded Age will pay tribute to the Crocker family and the legendary museum they left to Sacramentans. The family’s jewels, gowns, china, furniture and personal letters will be on display so that visitors can learn the stories that made the Crocker’s front page news.
The exhibit opens Nov. 6 and runs through May 9, 2010.
The exhibit opens Nov. 6 and runs through May 9, 2010.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sacramento Fashion Week
Love the lace. Fierce pose.
Large necklaces with lots of baubles are trendy right now. They sometimes look gaudy on display, but add playfulness to a work ensemble.
Me likey! Very Sexy and The City.
Grecian goddess Halloween costume. Good Christian Louboutin knock-offs.
Hip Sacramento club wear.
Business woman by day, Zorro by night. Not a fan of long leather skirts.I covered a night of fashion shows in Sacramento on Sept. 17. Click here to read.
Lessons on Longevity From 100 y.o. Monette Eagan
Monette Eagan is as sharp as ever. The 100 y.o. loves life, as she put it. Which I think is the secret to her longevity.
She was very calm, pleasant and thoughtful throughout our entire interview. I doubt she’s quick to anger- another trait many centenarians possess.
She told me stories about events that transpired almost a century ago- the cake contest she entered and won when she was 12 years old. The judges didn't believe she made the angel food cake herself, and she had to prove it by having her parents vouch for her.
She remembers a joy ride with her family in a Ford car that her father rented before every family had a car. They had a horse named "Old Blind Sally," which was their mode of transportation.
During my time so far at the Citizen I’ve interviewed and met several 100-year-old women. It’s always women who live that long. They all say they never smoke and only occasionally drink alcohol, if ever. They always go to church and have a strong faith in God.
None of the woman eat a particular diet, or go to great lengths to make certain they eat all their vegetables. Monette Eagan is a thin woman who enjoys life, her family, friends and an egg or two everyday. She eats small portions, she said.
After these interviews I always think “Note to self: Family, friends and happiness above all, and moderation with food.”
Being calm through life’s difficult times is another factor that I believe helps these woman live longer.
Eagan, and the past women I’ve interviewed, didn’t have perfect lives. They had good lives, but ones with hardships too.
Eagan’s son died when he was four years old. She later had a daughter, but at the time he was her only child. Eagan understandably said that was the most difficult time in her life. It takes an imperturbable person to get through a tragedy like that, and come out exceptionally optimistic about life.
Meeting Eagan for two hours one day was enough to convince me that being calm- a difficult trait for a reporter to master- is essential for longevity.
At 100 y.o., Eagan's mind is as sharp as a tack and filled with memories of her past.
Monette Eagan is an inspiration to me because of her immense passion for life. She knows what’s important in life- friends, family and fried eggs.
Read the article about Monette in the Citizen.
She was very calm, pleasant and thoughtful throughout our entire interview. I doubt she’s quick to anger- another trait many centenarians possess.
She told me stories about events that transpired almost a century ago- the cake contest she entered and won when she was 12 years old. The judges didn't believe she made the angel food cake herself, and she had to prove it by having her parents vouch for her.
She remembers a joy ride with her family in a Ford car that her father rented before every family had a car. They had a horse named "Old Blind Sally," which was their mode of transportation.
During my time so far at the Citizen I’ve interviewed and met several 100-year-old women. It’s always women who live that long. They all say they never smoke and only occasionally drink alcohol, if ever. They always go to church and have a strong faith in God.
None of the woman eat a particular diet, or go to great lengths to make certain they eat all their vegetables. Monette Eagan is a thin woman who enjoys life, her family, friends and an egg or two everyday. She eats small portions, she said.
After these interviews I always think “Note to self: Family, friends and happiness above all, and moderation with food.”
Being calm through life’s difficult times is another factor that I believe helps these woman live longer.
Eagan, and the past women I’ve interviewed, didn’t have perfect lives. They had good lives, but ones with hardships too.
Eagan’s son died when he was four years old. She later had a daughter, but at the time he was her only child. Eagan understandably said that was the most difficult time in her life. It takes an imperturbable person to get through a tragedy like that, and come out exceptionally optimistic about life.
Meeting Eagan for two hours one day was enough to convince me that being calm- a difficult trait for a reporter to master- is essential for longevity.
At 100 y.o., Eagan's mind is as sharp as a tack and filled with memories of her past.
Monette Eagan is an inspiration to me because of her immense passion for life. She knows what’s important in life- friends, family and fried eggs.
Read the article about Monette in the Citizen.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Those fangs! Those claws!
When someone imagines, or more likely has a nightmare, about being attacked by a tiger, one may picture the fierce claws or dagger-like fangs. And, yes, those are large and intimidating in real life. But until I saw and pet a sleeping tiger, I never imagined that the weight alone- 325 pounds- would be a force to reckon with should the tiger awake.
A tiger underwent a spay surgery for general health purposes at the Franklin Ranch Pet Hospital and Hotel in Elk Grove on Sunday, Sept. 13 in the early morning hours. The tiger arrived in a crate, awake and seemingly calm, from the animal rescue organization PAWS. This tiger was accustomed to being around people. The tiger, named Claire, was rescued at four months old from an illegal tiger breeding farm in New Hampshire.
I spoke to PAWS via phone who said tiger parts can fetch a high price on the black market. Some people want to own tigers, or keep their parts for souvenirs. Others, particularly in Asia, believe that tigers help with virility.
Breeding tigers in captivity is a big problem in the United States, they said.
A tiger underwent a spay surgery for general health purposes at the Franklin Ranch Pet Hospital and Hotel in Elk Grove on Sunday, Sept. 13 in the early morning hours. The tiger arrived in a crate, awake and seemingly calm, from the animal rescue organization PAWS. This tiger was accustomed to being around people. The tiger, named Claire, was rescued at four months old from an illegal tiger breeding farm in New Hampshire.
I spoke to PAWS via phone who said tiger parts can fetch a high price on the black market. Some people want to own tigers, or keep their parts for souvenirs. Others, particularly in Asia, believe that tigers help with virility.
Breeding tigers in captivity is a big problem in the United States, they said.
“There are more tigers in the United States in captivity than there are in the wild,” a spokesperson said.
To read the entire story and see photos, visit the Elk Grove Citizen Online.
To read the entire story and see photos, visit the Elk Grove Citizen Online.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Bring Your Card But Don't Swipe It
Use your Bank of America card to get free access the first weekend of every month to more than 70 museums around the country, including two museums in Sacramento.
Just bring your BOFA ATM/ Debit or check card and a photo ID.
For more information, and to see a map of museums in this program, visit http://museums.bankofamerica.com/
Just bring your BOFA ATM/ Debit or check card and a photo ID.
For more information, and to see a map of museums in this program, visit http://museums.bankofamerica.com/
Elk Grove Fine Arts Center's "2nd Friday" event in September
Elk Grove artist Russell Frank painted this pastel portrait of a duck
titled "Wood Duck on a Bright Winter Day." Frank will be the featured guest
artist at the 2nd Friday event at the Elk Grove Fine Arts Center on
Sept. 11.
The Elk Grove Fine Arts Center, the light and airy gallery in Old Town Elk Grove, is once again hosting their 2nd Friday event that mirrors the downtown Sacramento “Second Saturday” event on a much smaller scale.
On the second Friday of each month residents are invited into the center to view amazing art by talent local craftspeople. Everything from paintings, sculptures and photography can be viewed at the Fine Arts Center.
On the second Friday of each month residents are invited into the center to view amazing art by talent local craftspeople. Everything from paintings, sculptures and photography can be viewed at the Fine Arts Center.
Each month a different artist is selected at the “Featured Guest Artist.” For the Sept. 11 event Elk Grove artist and resident of 19 years Russell Frank will be the featured artist. Frank will have his art on display and be talking to the public about his pastel, ceramics and woodworking art pieces.
Another perk to this event is much of the artwork is reasonably priced. Some of the paintings reflect local scenery too, which would be a nice addition for the walls of local businesses in particular.
Snacks and drinks will be provided. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. It is free to the public.
Snacks and drinks will be provided. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. It is free to the public.
It’s Raining Meatballs At The IMAX
No doubt one of the zaniest children’s stories ever! “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” is coming to the Esquire IMAX Theatre in Sacramento on Friday, Sept. 18.
Based on the children’s book in which food falls from the sky, Sony Pictures Animation’s “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” has been digitally remastered for the IMAX experience. This special IMAX release coincides with the national release of the film in conventional theaters. Celebrity voices in the film include those of: Andy Samberg, Anna Faris, James Caan, Bill Hader, Neil Patrick Harris and Mr. T.
The film has been rated PG for brief mild language.
The Esquire IMAX Theatre is located at 1211 K Street in downtown Sacramento. For more information on tickets and showtimes call (916) 443- IMAX, or visit www.imax.com/sacramento
Based on the children’s book in which food falls from the sky, Sony Pictures Animation’s “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” has been digitally remastered for the IMAX experience. This special IMAX release coincides with the national release of the film in conventional theaters. Celebrity voices in the film include those of: Andy Samberg, Anna Faris, James Caan, Bill Hader, Neil Patrick Harris and Mr. T.
The film has been rated PG for brief mild language.
The Esquire IMAX Theatre is located at 1211 K Street in downtown Sacramento. For more information on tickets and showtimes call (916) 443- IMAX, or visit www.imax.com/sacramento
Discount Jewelry, Gems and Minerals- Oh My
Whoever said jewelry had to be expensive probably never visited the 20th Annual Gem Faire in Sacramento where more than 80 dealers from all over the world will be selling jewelry and gems at the lowest prices on the market.
The 20th Annual Gem Faire returns to Sacramento on Oct. 9 through Oct. 11 at Scottish Rite Center. Hours are Friday, noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5, valid for the entire weekend.
Dealers from all over the world will offer the largest selection of fine jewelry, gems, beads, crystals, minerals, findings and much more at the lowest prices in today’s market. Finished and unfinished jewelry, rare gemstones, and jewelry making tools are available all under one roof. Classes and demonstrations are offered to all skill levels. Plus, guests will have a chance to win hourly door prizes all weekend long.For more information visit www.gemfaire.com or contact Gem Faire, Inc. at (503) 252-8300 or e-mail: info@gemfaire.com.
The 20th Annual Gem Faire returns to Sacramento on Oct. 9 through Oct. 11 at Scottish Rite Center. Hours are Friday, noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5, valid for the entire weekend.
Dealers from all over the world will offer the largest selection of fine jewelry, gems, beads, crystals, minerals, findings and much more at the lowest prices in today’s market. Finished and unfinished jewelry, rare gemstones, and jewelry making tools are available all under one roof. Classes and demonstrations are offered to all skill levels. Plus, guests will have a chance to win hourly door prizes all weekend long.For more information visit www.gemfaire.com or contact Gem Faire, Inc. at (503) 252-8300 or e-mail: info@gemfaire.com.
Eat Your Art Out Sacramento
Gourmet dining establishments in the downtown Sacramento area are partnering with the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission (SMAC) to create the event “Eat Your Art Out,” to benefit the SMAC grant programs.
Tickets are $35 for this gourmet pub-crawl. Groups will be lead by “Crawl Captains.” Register with a team, or as an individual and be partnered with a team. Each guest will get a map noting the location of each participating business.
Visit a number of mostly independently owned midtown restaurants and coffee houses. Sample appetizers and drinks at each location.
As of 8/28 the following businesses were signed-up to participate: 3 Fires Lounge, Beach Hut Deli, Brew It Up!, Hot Italian Pizza, Sophia’s, Temple Downtown and Yogurt a go-go.
Guests will also receive a gift bag and a keepsake glass. Several Sacramento arts groups will offer entertainment at select locations.
If you’re inviting out-of-town friends for the event, organizers have arranged special deals at local hotels for crawlers.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit http://crawltix.com/eatyourart/
Tickets are $35 for this gourmet pub-crawl. Groups will be lead by “Crawl Captains.” Register with a team, or as an individual and be partnered with a team. Each guest will get a map noting the location of each participating business.
Visit a number of mostly independently owned midtown restaurants and coffee houses. Sample appetizers and drinks at each location.
As of 8/28 the following businesses were signed-up to participate: 3 Fires Lounge, Beach Hut Deli, Brew It Up!, Hot Italian Pizza, Sophia’s, Temple Downtown and Yogurt a go-go.
Guests will also receive a gift bag and a keepsake glass. Several Sacramento arts groups will offer entertainment at select locations.
If you’re inviting out-of-town friends for the event, organizers have arranged special deals at local hotels for crawlers.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit http://crawltix.com/eatyourart/
Learn To Write For The Big Screen
Meet screenwriter and UCLA instructor Bill Boyle at American River College on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. in 162 Raef Hall. Boyle’s screenwriting credits include “Now and Forever” and “Sealed with a Kiss.” His work has received honors at the Palm Springs Festival, Chicago Film Festival, Praxis Centre and the Vancouver Film School.
Other workshops taught by Boyle will be held Sept. 22 thought Sept 24 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The workshop fee is $65 per workshop or $175 for all three.
Workshop topics are:
September 22: Basic Screenwriting
September 23: The Visual Mindscape of the Screenplay
September 24: Marketing the ScreenplayFor more information contact Bill at bboyle@ucla.edu
Other workshops taught by Boyle will be held Sept. 22 thought Sept 24 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The workshop fee is $65 per workshop or $175 for all three.
Workshop topics are:
September 22: Basic Screenwriting
September 23: The Visual Mindscape of the Screenplay
September 24: Marketing the ScreenplayFor more information contact Bill at bboyle@ucla.edu
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
World-Traveling Photographer to Give Presentation at CRC
Rick Sammon photographs lions, cowboys, sand dunes and old Cadillacs. Looking at Sammon’s collection of work, it’s clear he photographs anything that catches his eye.
“My specialty is not specializing,” he notes on his Web site.
Author and one of Canon camera’s “Explorers of Light,” Sammon, will speak at Cosumnes River College on Sept. 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Recital Hall.
Sammon will share his experiences and photography techniques. He will show his photos from around the globe, some of which have appeared in his books and thousands of newspaper and magazine articles. For every image shown, Sammon will share a photographic technique, digital darkroom tip or a photo philosophy.
He has photographed in almost 100 countries and gives more than two dozen photography workshops each year.This event is free and open to the public.
“My specialty is not specializing,” he notes on his Web site.
Author and one of Canon camera’s “Explorers of Light,” Sammon, will speak at Cosumnes River College on Sept. 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Recital Hall.
Sammon will share his experiences and photography techniques. He will show his photos from around the globe, some of which have appeared in his books and thousands of newspaper and magazine articles. For every image shown, Sammon will share a photographic technique, digital darkroom tip or a photo philosophy.
He has photographed in almost 100 countries and gives more than two dozen photography workshops each year.This event is free and open to the public.
Spotlight Elk Grove Benefit
One of the most talked about events in Elk Grove is approaching. Spotlight Elk Grove is similar to “A Taste of…” events, combined with a service industry tradeshow. The event on Sept. 10 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. is a benefit for the Elk Grove Community Foundation, which awarded 161 scholarships in 2009.
Spotlight will feature more than 60 vendors including restaurants, wineries and area businesses. A rodeo, silent auction and raffle will entertain guests while helping to raise funds for the Elk Grove Community Foundation.
Guests are encouraged to dress in Western wear. “Oscars” will be awarded for the best Western Celebrity costumes.
Spotlight Elk Grove will be held at the Sociadade Do Espirito Santo (SES Hall), located at 10428 East Stockton Blvd.
Tickets are $40 and available at the Citizen office. Elizabeth Pinkerton wrote an article about Spotlight for the Sept. 2 edition of the Elk Grove Citizen, and listed many of the vendors. www.egcitizen.com
Spotlight will feature more than 60 vendors including restaurants, wineries and area businesses. A rodeo, silent auction and raffle will entertain guests while helping to raise funds for the Elk Grove Community Foundation.
Guests are encouraged to dress in Western wear. “Oscars” will be awarded for the best Western Celebrity costumes.
Spotlight Elk Grove will be held at the Sociadade Do Espirito Santo (SES Hall), located at 10428 East Stockton Blvd.
Tickets are $40 and available at the Citizen office. Elizabeth Pinkerton wrote an article about Spotlight for the Sept. 2 edition of the Elk Grove Citizen, and listed many of the vendors. www.egcitizen.com
Tea Time
My favorite tea shop in Elk Grove is having a tea pairing event on Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.
Boba Tea & Gifts will host a Tasting Party in combination with Sinful Treats Gourmet Pastries and Desserts. Guests can sample of the newest pastries and get a chance to name the new treats. Sample tea too and enter for a chance to win a raffle prize.
I went to a tea-pairing event several months ago when Boba partnered with Lulu's Cupcakes. It was a casual event where guests mingled, ate mini cupcakes and drank tea.
I normally order the Pu-erh or Oolong teas, so I enjoyed sampling other varieties.
Seating for the event is limited, so please call in advance. Call 591-8373. Boba Tea & Gifts is located at 9020 Elk Grove Blvd. in Old Town Elk Grove.
Boba Tea & Gifts will host a Tasting Party in combination with Sinful Treats Gourmet Pastries and Desserts. Guests can sample of the newest pastries and get a chance to name the new treats. Sample tea too and enter for a chance to win a raffle prize.
I went to a tea-pairing event several months ago when Boba partnered with Lulu's Cupcakes. It was a casual event where guests mingled, ate mini cupcakes and drank tea.
I normally order the Pu-erh or Oolong teas, so I enjoyed sampling other varieties.
Seating for the event is limited, so please call in advance. Call 591-8373. Boba Tea & Gifts is located at 9020 Elk Grove Blvd. in Old Town Elk Grove.
Scottish Highland Gathering & Games
Forget traveling to London to see the pomp and ceremony of the famous Pipes & Drums - 1st Battalion Scots Guards parading at Buckingham Palace.
The world famous pipe band will be in Pleasanton on Sept. 5 and 6 to take part in the 144th edition of the world’s largest Scottish Highland Gathering & Games at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.
The pipe band was created in 1642 when King Charles I commissioned the Marquis of Argyll to raise a brigade of personal guards in Scotland. The regimental band continues today, steeped in history, as both a pipe band and as highly trained soldiers.
These soldier-musicians will share the limelight both days with the 45-piece U.S. Marine Band San Diego. Both bands will perform individually, then together in one of the world’s only integrated performances by military bands from Scotland and America.
The event also features sports, live music, activities for children, as well as authentic food and drink.
The 35th U.S. Invitational Heavy Events Championship, plus the World Celtic Hammer Championship, brings the strongest and best athletes in the world in the professional division.
The Western U.S. Highland Dancing Championship brings together competitors in five age groups from throughout California.
Six stages will be packed with continuous musical entertainment, including traditional music and Celtic Rock. Along with dancers, fiddlers and harpers.
Re-enactment groups will be present, along with the unique display “Bird of Prey.” Handlers will present over 25 hawks, falcons, owls and other flying predators.
There is also the whisky tasting venue and seminars on the finer points of the single malt spirits.
Five-A-Side soccer, rugby and the ancient Scottish sport of shinty add to the agenda. A number of British motorcars will also be on display.
British and American food and drink is available throughout the fairgrounds and at the Red Lion Pub.
The gates open both days at 9 a.m. On Saturday the festival will close at 6:30 p.m., but will be followed by a Ceilidh (Scottish party) with open microphone and a barbecue dinner at the Red Lion Pub. One day adult admission is $17, 2-day is $25. Single day admission for youth ages 8-16, seniors 65-plus and handicapped are $10. Under 8 is free, as is the military when showing and active duty ID.
The world famous pipe band will be in Pleasanton on Sept. 5 and 6 to take part in the 144th edition of the world’s largest Scottish Highland Gathering & Games at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.
The pipe band was created in 1642 when King Charles I commissioned the Marquis of Argyll to raise a brigade of personal guards in Scotland. The regimental band continues today, steeped in history, as both a pipe band and as highly trained soldiers.
These soldier-musicians will share the limelight both days with the 45-piece U.S. Marine Band San Diego. Both bands will perform individually, then together in one of the world’s only integrated performances by military bands from Scotland and America.
The event also features sports, live music, activities for children, as well as authentic food and drink.
The 35th U.S. Invitational Heavy Events Championship, plus the World Celtic Hammer Championship, brings the strongest and best athletes in the world in the professional division.
The Western U.S. Highland Dancing Championship brings together competitors in five age groups from throughout California.
Six stages will be packed with continuous musical entertainment, including traditional music and Celtic Rock. Along with dancers, fiddlers and harpers.
Re-enactment groups will be present, along with the unique display “Bird of Prey.” Handlers will present over 25 hawks, falcons, owls and other flying predators.
There is also the whisky tasting venue and seminars on the finer points of the single malt spirits.
Five-A-Side soccer, rugby and the ancient Scottish sport of shinty add to the agenda. A number of British motorcars will also be on display.
British and American food and drink is available throughout the fairgrounds and at the Red Lion Pub.
The gates open both days at 9 a.m. On Saturday the festival will close at 6:30 p.m., but will be followed by a Ceilidh (Scottish party) with open microphone and a barbecue dinner at the Red Lion Pub. One day adult admission is $17, 2-day is $25. Single day admission for youth ages 8-16, seniors 65-plus and handicapped are $10. Under 8 is free, as is the military when showing and active duty ID.
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