Village Life, Thursday, April, 4, 2024

WHAT’S HAPPENING

April 4

The Shingle SpringsCameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a mixer, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Amani Center, 2558 Greenwood Lane, Suite D, Cameron Park.

April 5

Falcon’s Eye Theatre at Folsom Lake College presents “Cabaret,” April 5-14 at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

April 6

The Democratic Party of El Dorado County celebrates annual essay contest winners at a luncheon at noon at the El Dorado County O ce of Education, 6767 Green Valley Road, Placerville, room B-2. Tickets are available online at tinyurl.com/ EssayAwards2024 or by mailing a check to Mel Chapman, 5041 Path nder Trail, Placerville CA 95667. For more information call (530) 621-0409.

Hands4Hope – Youth

Making A Di erence hosts the annual Empty Bowls dinner, 4-7 p.m. at the Placerville Shakespeare Club. This is a family friendly event that includes live music, vendors, a dinner featuring delicious soups and fresh breads and a keepsake handmade bowl to take home as a reminder of the cause. For tickets and more information visit youthmakingadi erence. org/emptybowls.

The Ponderosa High School Foundation hosts the Green & Gray Gathering, 5:309:30 p.m. at the Cameron Park Country Club. For tickets and more information visit ticketstripe. com/2024PondoGreenGray.

April 7

El Dorado Western Railroad’s excursion rides resume, with train rides on the hour, 10 a.m. through 1 p.m., weather permitting. Board at the El Dorado Station April 7 & 21. Train rides at the Shingle Springs Station are planned April 14 & 28. For more information visit facebook.com/ ElDoradoWesternRailroad.

April 10

The Sons in Retirement –Gold Country branch meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Cameron Park Country Club. Check out the club and be a guest for a complimentary lunch. Contact Branch 95’s membership chairman at SIRBranch95@gmail.com for more details.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber

■ See EVENTS, page A5

Make some noise at the library’s Spring Carnival

El Dorado Hills Library reimagined the community-favorite Spring Carnival to great success in 2023 and is now making it bigger and more exciting for 2024. This free event is open to guests of all ages and will take place 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, outside in the library’s parking lot. The El Dorado Hills Library is located at 7455 Silva Valley Parkway. Guests can expect classic carnival games such as ring toss, darts and duck racing, where they can earn tickets and redeem them for prizes. All Party Art will return to o er face-painting expertise. The artists were a huge hit last year and will be back with more people in order to serve a larger number of guests. The bounce house is getting an upgrade as well and will be replaced with a bounce obstacle course. Guests can purchase lunch and treats from participating food trucks, including the returning California Gold Kettle Corn and newcomer Valenz Tacos. Spring Carnival is also open to

families with little ones, and will o er a special play area for children ages 0-5, complete with toys, water play and sensory bins

Last year the library hosted more than 700

guests of all ages and eagerly looks forward to an even bigger and more energetic crowd at this year’s event. Spring Carnival is an opportunity to connect library patrons with community

partners and resources. Those that will be present this year include Community Hubs, EDC O ce of Education, Catalyst Kids, U.S. Forest Service, Sierra Wildlife Rescue, Fat Kitty City,

NAMI and Folsom Zoo Sanctuary. This event is held as part of El Dorado County Library’s mission of fostering community and promoting a lifelong love of the library, literacy and learning.

Pick a plant or two ... or three at upcoming plant sales

Noel Stack Managing Editor

Gardening addicts and those who have just begun to get their hands dirty will nd the plants, gardening tips and much more at the UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County plant sales set 8 a.m. to noon April 13 & 27 at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden.

From tomatoes and ornamental grasses to roses and zucchini, these sales feature thousands of plants lovingly grown by Master Gardener volunteers at their home gardens and personal greenhouses. Edibles take center stage at the April 13 event. Grasses, shrubs, succulents and trees, along with native plants, will be available April 27. Check the inventory preview atmgeldorado. ucanr.edu.

At the garden on the Folsom Lake College – El Dorado Center campus, plant sale coordinator Ada Brehmer and other volunteers recently worked to spruce up the garden, which has 16 individual demonstration gardens that showcase plants that thrive on El Dorado County’s western slope. Stopping by the tomatoes during a brief break, she boasted, “We have so many di erent types for the sale.” Those who love popping cherry tomatoes in their mouth for a snack won’t be

Following the successful rollout of the CDFW License App, hunting licenses and related hunting validations will be added to the mobile display options as early as mid2024. “We sometimes think progress moves too slowly, but the Department of Fish and Wildlife has moved full-speed ahead in making shing licenses valid for 365 days and has modernized the licensing process by going digital,” said Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg), author of the original legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 817, responsible for the change to a 365-day license and

disappointed.

Neither will chefs who prefer to season their meals with fresh herbs. The g, strawberry and onion fans will also nd plants to ll their baskets. And those who adore succulents and decorative trees will have a hard time carrying back all their purchases (bring a cart on wheels if you have it).

Plants sell out fast, Brehmer noted; it’s advised to arrive early.

Proceeds from the plant sales support the Master Gardeners of El Dorado County programs — classes are taught throughout the year — and the Sherwood Demonstration Garden at 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville.

A pergola was recently completed at the site where volunteers plan to hold classes thanks to funding from previous sales.

“The big project coming up is perimeter fencing,” Brehmer said, explaining they will upgrade to a metal fence that’s more durable and keeps the critters out.

Inside the garden, fencing also needs to be replaced and repaired around the Rose Garden and Cottage Garden. Brehmer noted the garden benches are also due for a new paint job.

For more information about the plant sale, Sherwood Demonstration Garden and Master Gardener programs and classes visit mgeldorado.ucanr.edu.

mobile licensing display. “I couldn’t ask for a better partner in implementing this new process. I look forward to CDFW’s goal of growing its digital footprint in other licensing areas.”

Wood’s AB 817, introduced in 2021, was widely embraced throughout the shing community by national and statewide Recruit, Retain, Reactivate advocates, conservation organizations and CDFW.

The Coastal Conservation Association of California, which works to protect the interests of recreational saltwater anglers and healthy marine habitats, also supported the legislation.

Tour locations vary per hike. Registered participants will be noti ed of where to meet with a con rmation email sent upon sign-up for each tour. Sturdy shoes, hat, water, a lunch or snacks, sunscreen and insect repellant are strongly encouraged. For speci c questions call the Mother Lode Field O ce at (916) 941-3101. Tour dates:

• Saturday, April 13

— Cameron Park Unit Plant Hike

• Saturday, April 20 — Kanaka Valley Bird Hike

• Tuesday, April 23 — Observe Earth Day week with the BLM. Kanaka Valley Birds and Plants

• Friday, May 3 — Cameron Park Unit Plant Hike

• Friday, May 10 —

Pine Hill, Plants and Pollinators

• Sunday, May 26 — Pine Hill Plants

The Pine Hill Preserve, established in 2001, is cooperatively managed by 10 public and private

currently in talks at the county level. The topic went into brief discussion during the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting March 12 at the proposal of District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl, whose district consists most of the El Dorado Hills area, seconded by District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo. Citing the increase in activity in the business park and with developments planned for the area, including a future high school planned for the El Dorado Union High School District, Hidahl called for the county to look into building a new road to alleviate tra c congestion on Latrobe Road.

The board voted unanimously to direct sta to begin the preliminary analysis to identify options on the new roadway, which will consist of working with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, the six-county collaboration of local leaders that addresses complex challenges surpassing the capacity of individual jurisdictions to tackle independently. Sta will also work with the El Dorado County Transportation Commission and has been directed to return to the board within four months to come up with recommendations on how to ensure a functional road network.

Community for Health Independence is proposed for 3,000 acres in south Folsom and El Dorado Hills.

Hidahl said it would “create an ideal situation” if the road is extended further south from the intersection at White Rock (which goes into Sacramento County) and Empire Ranch Boulevard going toward the lower end of the business park.

“We continue to look at alternative ideas in terms of where that routing might be, meeting with stakeholders on what would be a suitable and acceptable (road) that would minimize impacts on any given business or investment entity down there,” Hidahl said.

In the longterm, Hidahl suggested creating another alternative road that would take the route from Latrobe Road to the south side of Highway 50 that would go through Marble Valley Road.

“Because (there would be a) circulator, a beltway, if you’re coming out of Placerville and want to go to the business park, you wouldn’t have to go through the White Rock Road/ Latrobe Road intersection. You would just go around it through Marble Valley,” Hidahl said.

Additionally, a Latrobe Road widening project that would widen the road for a sixth-tenths-of-a-mile segment between Investment Boulevard and Golden Foothill Parkway up to four lanes was added into the county’s Capital Improvement Program last May to address tra c congestion.

According to Hidahl, initial studies were conducted over a decade ago regarding a roadway that would parallel the Sacramento/El Dorado County line going south of the business park. Reviews of the proposed roadway project were stopped at the time due to favor for developments for Carson Crossing Drive that connects White Rock and Latrobe roads going into the business park.

“We unknowingly created a situation where we’ve increased the tra c demand on Latrobe Road without alternative routing,” Hidahl noted.

Hidahl continued, stating a er initial analysis, it “became obvious” the road would have to go through the Sacramento County line to get a roadway from White Rock Road to go south, cross into El Dorado County and connect to Latrobe Road to provide the alternate route.

“That’s what has led to this current study,” Hidahl said. “The future high school was the real thing that drove it, but a number of other things that have come up recently that drove it (including the) Community for Health Independence.” A project planned by AKT Investments in collaboration with UC Davis Health, the

Some supervisors also questioned why White Rock Road could not be widened to two lanes. According to county Department of Transportation head Rafael Martinez, other roads with worse failing levels of service have his department’s attention.

“If White Rock is getting level of service D or E, but I’ve got other locations ... that are failing now, those are the projects that need to be funded. It’s holding back on resources for when that project is most needed,” Martinez explained to the board.

Nevertheless, Martinez was in agreement the study for the proposed road is necessary.

“(Developments aside) this is an opportunity for El Dorado County to study a potential alignment that connects the dots with Sacramento County that will relieve tra c,” Martinez said. “It’s not creating capacity. It’s redirecting the existing trafc o Latrobe to where they want to go in the direction of Sacramento County.” Martinez said the project, if approved fully, would be added to the Capital Improvement Program and be funded through Tra c Impact Fees.

El Dorado County 4-H youth wish seniors a “hoppy” Easter

Cheers arose from the crowd as the rabbits leaped off the pause table and over the green jump. On March 17 the El Dorado County Rabbit Agility Project went to Oakmont Senior Living and Memory Care in El Dorado Hills to do a demonstration.

Six rabbits and their owners ran the agility course much to the seniors’ delight. After all the rabbits had completed the course, the residents got a chance to pet the fluffy agility bunnies. The 4-H members practiced public speaking and ignited their sparks of community service. Some of the resi-

dents shared their experiences of raising rabbits in the past. It was an enjoyable time for everyone.

It was great for the rabbits to practice the agility course in a public setting and for the members to give back to the community. They handed out the cards they had made at Skills Day and made the elderly smile. Brightly colored cards with pictures of rabbits wished the residents a “hoppy” early Easter. For more information about this and other opportunities with the El Dorado County 4-H Youth Development Program visit ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_4-H_Program, call (530) 6215503, email eldorao4h@ucanr.edu or follow at facebook.com/ElDorado4H.

‘Roofie’ drug testing devices to be required at California bars

News release

SACRAMENTO — A new law

mandating certain alcoholic beverage license holders to offer drug testing devices for sale or at no cost to patrons will take effect beginning July 1.

Assembly Bill 1013,

Events

of Commerce and EDH Town Center host a mixer, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 2023 Vine St., Suite 105 & 106. To RSVP call (916) 933-1335 or visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

April 11

Ponderosa Stage Productions at Ponderosa High School in Shingle Springs presents “Shrek: The Musical,” April 11-13 and April 18-20. For tickets and more information visit pondodrama.com/shrek.

Theatre at The Mine at Union Mine High School presents “Peter Pan,” April 11-13 and April 19 &20. For tickets and more information visit onthestage.tickets/union-mine-high-school.

Arts & Culture El Dorado celebrates the symbiosis of art and agriculture with Arts Vinifera, an exhibition that showcases original artworks that grace the labels of El Dorado County’s world-class wines at Switchboard Gallery, 525 Main St. in downtown Placerville, April 11 through May 19.

April 12

The Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce and Sierra Mountain Firearms host a ribbon cutting, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 4050 Durock Road, Suite 17, Shingle Springs. Sutter Street Theatre presents “Anything Goes,” April 12 through May 12. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

April 13

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts the edible plant sale 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 13, featuring spring and summer vegetables, fruit and herbs at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville. All other plants, including succulents, shrubs, trees, ornamental and native plants, will be for sale on April 27, same time and location. Check the inventory preview at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu.

The Rescue Community Center, 4180 Green Valley Road, hosts a Spring Craft & Gift Fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The El Dorado County Mineral and Gem Society presents the 37th annual Rock and Gem Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 13 & 14 at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For more information visit edcmgs.org.

The El Dorado Hills Library hosts its family friendly Spring Carnival, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with carnival games, face painting, an obstacle course and more in the parking lot.

April 14

VITA Academy presents European Serenade as part of its Great Composers Chamber Music series at 2 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

April 15

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts two events: Read to a Dog, 1-2 p.m. Therapy-trained friend Emma the Corgi will be onhand for a free, fun, one-on-one reading session with kids. Writers’

the Rotary Club and county residents for their continued support of local law enforcement. “We are very fortunate to be working in El Dorado County,” the CHP commander said. “This is one of the most supportive communities I’ve worked in.”

Prior to becoming a law enforcement officer, Gossett, who grew up in Texas before moving to the Sacramento area during his high school years, had an exciting career as a bullfighter and rodeo clown. “After having too many bones broken, he decided to switch careers,” Hatfield said. It was no joke as Gossett told the crowd he had broken both legs at different times.

Now, instead of running from a raging bull, Gossett enjoys his time behind the wheel of a patrol cruiser. “I love to drive,” he confessed. “We have cool cars and get to drive fast … chase down bad guys.”

The Officer of the Year said he loves the freedom and variety that comes with his job. One day he’s helping change a flat tire and the next he’s helping search for a lost hiker. Meeting new people and interacting with the public are also job highlights, he shared.

“I love El Dorado County,” Gossett said.

When he’s not in uniform, the Somerset resident enjoys spending time with his family — wife Katelyn (a Placerville native) and their children Tessa, 4, and Kade, 2.

Coffeehouse, 1-2:30 p.m., allows writers to chat about the latest trends in the industry, about the craft of writing, about marketing, pitching and selling as well as the frustrations and positives of the writing experience. For more information call (916) 941-9401 or visit getyourfaceinabook.com.

April 16

Broadway Sacramento presents “Annie,” April 16-21 at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit broadwaysacramento.com.

April 17

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts a grand opening park party at Saratoga Park, 5-7 p.m. Free dinner and games will be provided; bring a picnic blanket.

April 18

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce hosts a business luncheon featuring county District Attorney Vern Pierson, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Koto Buffet inside Red Hawk Casino. For more information call (530) 621-5885.

The El Dorado County Fair & Events Center hosts How to Enter the Fair in the fair boardroom, 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville. Sessions will be held 5-6 p.m. Thursday, April 18, and noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 21. For more information call (530) 621-5860.

The Gallery at 48 Natoma presents Things with Wings, artwork with birds, bugs and butterflies, April 26 through June 20. In the adjacent Community Art Gallery, art from the El Dorado Hills Arts Association is on display April 18 through June 6. For more information call call (916) 461-6601 or visit folsom.ca.us.

April 20

The Cameron Park Community Services District hosts a community cleanup day, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Camerado Springs Middle School. Visit cameronpark.org for a list of acceptable items.

Ponderosa High School hosts the ninth annual Gold Country Jazz Festival, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the campus, 3661 Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs. The purpose of the festival is to encourage the growth of jazz education in area music programs. Purchased tickets in advance at ticketstripe.com/Gold-Country-Jazz-Festival-2024.

The El Dorado Winery Association presents Passport Weekend April 20 & 21, with more than 20 wineries offering special tastings, pairings and more. For tickets and more information visit eldoradowines.org.

App

“The CDFW License App represents the culmination of efforts that will benefit license holders for many years,” said Wayne Kotow, executive director of CCA CAL.

Nathaniel Arnold, acting chief of CDFW’s Law Enforcement Division, added, “Wildlife officers expect the app will provide additional opportunities for the angling public to have their licenses conveniently in possession when checked.”

Now

Continued from A2

Aspiring El Dorado Rose applications are available. Candidate qualifications: is 60 years or older; has been a resident of El Dorado County for a minimum of 10 years; and has contributed volunteer services throughout her life. A candidate must be sponsored by a business, club, organization or an individual. The sponsor submits the application and pays an entry fee. Both are due April 20 and need to be submitted to El Dorado Rose c/o El Dorado Rose Corporation, P.O. Box 282, Placerville, CA 95667. The entry fee covers admission to the Rose Ball for the candidate. For more information call Diane Lehr at (530) 845-2513.

Marshall Hospital Auxiliary is looking for volunteers. Help people and make new friends. Interviews are held monthly. For more information call Norma at (530) 676-1844 or email grizzyq98@gmail.com.

Registration is now open for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra Golf for Kids Sake tournament and fundraiser at the Serrano Country Club on May 20. To register call (530) 626-1222, ext. 104, or visit bbbsns.org/events/golf-event.

Registration is now open for the Bist Sandigo Golf Tournament at the Cameron Park Country Club June 10. For more information and to register call (916) 798-4746 or visit purelyhope.org.

Registration is now open for the 41st annual Bob West Drive for Marshall golf tournament scheduled for June 21 and hosted once again at Cold Springs Golf & Country Club in Placerville. To register visit marshallfound.org/golf-registration/?blm_aid=30898.

Sutter Street Theatre presents “The Lightning Thief” through April 7. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

The Gallery at 48 Natoma presents Abstract Ideas, featuring art by Linda Nunes and Matt Rhoades, through April 18. In the adjacent Community Art Gallery, art from the Children’s Art Classes at the Folsom Art Center is on display through April 11. For more information call call (916) 461-6601 or visit folsom.ca.us.

Cars and Coffee invites car people to meet up and hang out Saturdays, 7-9:30 a.m., rain or shine, in the right-side parking lot of the Regal movie theater in El Dorado Hills Town Center. Everyone and every type of vehicle is welcome. The motto is “If it rolls, it goes.”

The El Dorado Hills Town Center Farmers Market takes place year round, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday. Wander behind Nibblers and Trek Bicycle to discover a cornucopia of delights, where local area farms showcase an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Explore stalls brimming with homemade treasures including jams and cheeses, as well many handmade creations.

Continued from A2

The rollout of the CDFW Licensing App aligns with the goals of CDFW’s R3 initiative to transform hunting and fishing barriers into opportunities. This app will allow California anglers to easily obtain, access and display their sport fishing licenses on their mobile devices, providing a convenient and paperless solution that promotes responsible fishing practices, ensures compliance with regulations, and enhances overall fishing experiences for individuals in both urban and remote areas.

More information about the app and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the CDFW’s License App web page, which includes video tutorials covering the app’s various functionalities.

DIVE IN Fish Fry

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

12:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.

We’d like to treat you to a mouthwatering fish fry at our place. Invite a guest and hook up with a plateful of deliciousness from our chef. Bring your questions to ask our team, meet our residents and discover the difference El Dorado Estates can make for your well-being and future.

Bring your appetite.

RSVP today: 916-831-7890

Your baby, your birth center.

Holding your baby for the first time—it’s a moment you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. And Mercy Hospital of Folsom’s Family Birth Center is here to help make your experience as special as your new bundle of joy—from our private rooms, to warm tubs that comfort laboring mothers, to complimentary doula support throughout the process. And for babies who might need some extra TLC on arrival, the advanced Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at our sister hospital Mercy San Juan Medical Center is just a short ride away.

Take a virtual tour of our Family Birth Center by scanning here:

V illage H OMES

Steve Miller CalBRE #01860963 (916) 799-7547

EDH home o ers lovely lake views

This gorgeous farmhouse-style home in the Summit gated community boasts Folsom Lake views. This charming property o ers a perfect blend of traditional styling, comfort and breathtaking views, making it the epitome of upscale lakeside living.

A double front door with inlaid stained glass opens into the foyer lit by a charming chandelier. On one side of the foyer is one of the home’s two o ces with built-in shelving and cabinets. On the other side is a ex room where residents and guests can enjoy the sunlight streaming in through the large window while they chat over a cup of tea or catch up on current events while watching the morning news.

The home’s great room is also bathed in natural light and warmed by a large stone replace that is surrounded by built-in cabinetry. In this space there is plenty of room for seating and dining, as well as backyard access for easy indoor-outdoor entertaining.

The heart of this residence is the gourmet kitchen, equipped with stainless appliances, granite countertops, ri sawn oak cabinets and ample storage space. Enjoy quick meals at the kitchen’s dining bar or more elaborate celebrations in the nearby formal dining room.

The spacious oor plan boasts four ensuite bedrooms — all on the second level — and six total bathrooms. The primary suite is a great place to relax with lush carpet, built-in storage, a walk-in closet and balcony access from which you can soak in those stunning lake views. Soak away stress in the suite’s large jetted tub. The bathroom also has a spacious walk-in shower and dual vanities.

The home’s third-story crow’s nest makes a perfect second o ce retreat complete with a balcony from which you can enjoy breathtaking lake and sunset views.

The front yard adds plenty of curb appeal with manicured shrubs lining a paved walkway that leads to the beautiful front porch. Mature trees and lush lawns bring more greenery to the space. Along one side of the property is the wide driveway that leads to the home’s attached, three-car garage. The rear yard is complete with a covered patio, lawn area and an adorable playhouse. This property is in a prime location known for its access to the Folsom Lake hiking/biking trail. Interested in this lovely Lakecrest Drive property in El Dorado Hills? Contact Lisa Paragary at (916) 247-1303 or lisa@paragarymillerteam.com or Steve Miller at (916) 7997547 or steve@paragarymillerteam.com.

Shrek, played by Hudson Lauer, and his sidekick, the wisecracking Donkey, played by David Seeley, will have everyone laughing and singing along with the rest of the cast as they take the audience on a musical journey with a soulful message about friendship, love and acceptance.

Shrek just wants to live his swampy lifestyle in complete solitude, or does he? A chance encounter with Donkey changes Shrek’s comfortable routine and takes him on an adventure to rescue Princess Fiona, who is, of course, held in a high tower, in a remote castle surrounded by a re-breathing dragon. Taken straight out of a page from a fairy tale, Princess Fiona has been waiting not so patiently for her knight and shining armor to whisk her away to a happily ever a er. At least that was before the green ogre with a thick Scottish accent showed up. Is it possible that two people from seemingly entirely di erent worlds may have more in common than meets the eye? And does true love really conquer all? Head to the Pondo stage to nd out.

Hudson Lauer shared how excited he was to be cast in his role as Shrek. “I’ve always wanted to play Shrek because of his great story and the beautiful touching songs. I’m so blessed that I get to leave this amazing fouryear experience on a high note with this lead.”

■ See SHREK, page B4

FLS stands on the shoulders of a ‘Titan’

Nature’s seasons are cyclical. Over the course of a year, they repeat.

And while the arts season follows a similar schedule, those who live, breathe and create within it are NOT.

Artists are linear. They move through the seasons. And nearly all of them stand on the shoulders of giants. How is this?

Perhaps the right word is “pedagogy” — the teaching an artist receives from his or her teacher(s). Or it might be “pedigree” — which can refer to the artist’s heritage by birth or training.

Paying it forward

But often, it all boils down to “inspiration.” When an artist or artists looks beyond themselves and does that remarkable thing for another. They stop and show respect for the next generation.

The famous pianist Van Cliburn (1936–2013) was known to do this, even as a young man. Shortly after his return to New York City after winning the inaugural International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow in 1958, Cliburn took time with young people after his concerts, even though the press and the entire world clamored for his attention. Cliburn looked each young person in the eye as he gratefully shook their hand and signed their program. To young musicians, he asked, “What do you play? Who is your teacher? What are you studying now?”

For the rest of his life, Cliburn would dedicate his love of music and his talent to showing the world’s young musicians that music can bring people together. (For a fascinating read on this artist and his times, read “Moscow Nights: The Van Cliburn Story — How One Man and His Piano Transformed the Cold War” by Nigel Cliff.)

During the 1970s, one of the many young people Cliburn made an impact on was a young California native of the Bay Area, Jon Nakamatsu. In a tribute video for the quadrennial Cliburn Competition, he recalls his first meeting with Cliburn “at about the age of 8 or 9.” “(Cliburn) came to the Bay Area and gave a phenomenal recital. As a young child, I knew it was something amazing, even back then …. What I remember from that day was that he knelt down on the floor backstage, and when I came back, waited in line … (he) talked to me for quite a while. (Me) this nothing

kid who had come to hear one of the greatest in the world play a recital in a hometown theater … and here was this immense figure, spending time just to make me feel welcome and valued and heard.”

Years later, Nakamatsu had the opportunity to tell Cliburn how much that moment of backstage inspiration meant to him when he won the gold medal at the Cliburn Competition. Warm, encouraging and kind in person, Nakamatsu is one of only three Americans to win the gold at that international competition. Today, in addition to performing worldwide, Nakamatsu serves on the piano faculty of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

‘Titan’

On Saturday, April 20, the legacy of Van Cliburn continues as Nakamatsu joins the Folsom Lake Symphony to perform “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin (1898–1937). This will be Nakamatsu’s third appearance with the FLS. The symphony will also perform Maestro Peter Jaffe’s “Symphonic Birthday” and the Symphony No. 1 in D major “Titan” by Gustav Mahler (1860–1911).

Cliburn was noted for saying, “The true measure of a musician is not the number of accolades or awards they receive, but the lasting impact they have on the hearts and minds of listeners.”

This is certainly true of our much-beloved regional symphony.

Trio to tap into Indian folk music

Ed Sengstack Harris Center for the Arts

FOLSOM — Harris Center for the Arts presents five-time Grammy Award winning tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain and TISRA on April 24.

Tabla virtuoso Hussain is proud to present TISRA (three) with two of India’s finest young musicians, Sabir Khan and Debopriya Chatterjee. This unique trio is comprised of tabla, sarangi and bansuri (bamboo flute), a combination not often heard on the classical stage. Sarangi and bansuri each have roots in ancient India and its mythology; both are also folk instruments.

TISRA showcases the rich folk and classical traditions of the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab. It is widely accepted that the musical influence of Rajasthani gypsies has been heard far beyond the borders of India, and that Uttar Pradesh incorporated the folk music forms of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet into its music. This colorful mix combined with Indian classical music and the rich rhythm repertoire of Punjab makes for a compelling offering that TISRA now brings to audiences in the United States. Moreover, the

trio intends to initiate a conversation between the sarangi, with its close resemblance to the human voice, and the bansuri, a breath instrument. Hussain is a pre-eminent classical tabla virtuoso and is appreciated as one of the world’s most esteemed and influential musicians, one whose mastery of his percussion

Due to the near soldout popularity of the FLS this season, tickets are in short supply. Visit folsomlakesymphony.com to order yours or call the box office at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom at (916) 6086888 for availability. Send your event for consideration in Susan’s column to slaird@handywriting.com.

sarangi.

instrument has taken it to a new level transcending cultures and national borders. Along with his legendary father and teacher, Ustad Allarakha, he has elevated the status of the tabla in India and around the world.

The past year has been a banner year of recognition for the iconic musi-

Nick Carter coming to the Harris Center; tickets on sale

Ed Sengstack Harris Center for the Arts

FOLSOM — Harris Center for the Arts announces an evening with pop superstar Nick Carter on Oct. 19 with the public presale recently launched.

The Who I Am Tour, which has already completed successful legs in the United States, Canada and South America, marks Carter’s return to the stage as a solo artist a er seven years. Carter will also tour Asia and Europe, nishing up 2024 on a second leg in

North America a er his rst successful run in 2023. The North America leg kicks o on Sept. 26 in Carmel, Ind.

For the upcoming concert dates the singer-songwriter is set to perform tracks from his solo catalog — including his latest single releases “Never Break My Heart (Not Again),” “Made For Us” and “Superman” — as well as Backstreet Boys favorites and other music hits with a personal signi cance to Carter.

For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net. Exclusive VIP packages are available at nickcarter.com.

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cian/composer/cultural ambassador Hussain. The list of awards and accolades has been remarkable: The Kyoto Prize; the Aga Khan Lifetime Achievement Award; the Padma Vibhushan (the government of India’s second highest civilian honor); Best Percussionist Awards by the Downbeat Critics Poll, The Downbeat Readers Poll, Modern Drummer’s Readers Poll and the Jazz Journalists of America. Additionally, he received three 2024 Grammy wins (adding to the two he already has): Best Global Music Album for “This Moment” (Shakti); and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, Best Global Performance for “As We Speak” (with Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer and Rakesh Chaurasia). Hussain is the rst musician from India to win three Grammys at one awards ceremony. 2023 was made even more memorable by the international tour of Shakti50, celebrating 50 years of the groundbreaking, boundary-defying and in uential band founded by Hussain and legendary guitarist John McLaughlin. Khan is one of India’s most talented and sought-a er musicians of the present day. His instrument is the sarangi, a bowed instrument said to possess the sound closest to the human voice. He is the son of the great sarangi player/ vocalist Padma Bhushan Ustad Sultan Khan; their family belonging to the Sikar gharana (school) of music, which has given several stalwarts to Indian classical music, including his great-grandfather Ustad Azim Khansahib, a court musician at Sikar in Rajasthan. Chatterjee started her initial ute training under the guidance of the late Pandit Bholanath Prasanna Ji

of Allahabad. Her quest to express the depth and richness of Hindustani classical music, and of her chosen instrument, the bansuri (bamboo ute), brought her to the feet of her guru, the great exponent of the Maihar Senia Gharana Padmavibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 25 at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.

Continued from B2 Shrek

he told Village Life, is how much he laughs each time he’s on stage with his best friends, David (Donkey) and Stephen Owed (Lord Farquad). “Hitting those high notes on some of the solo songs and perfecting that goofy Scottish accent” were his only challenges, he shared. Annabelle Loge plays Princess Fiona, whose favorite part about the play is the strong message it sends of accepting who you are. “I would describe Fiona as tough, sassy and ridiculously silly. I really enjoy conveying her more proper sides as well as playing o on her goofy sides,” she said. She described the show as upbeat with catchy songs, great costumes and dance numbers. Including a complex tap number that she herself had to perform, made even more di cult since she had never tap danced prior to this musical. David said of his role as Donkey, “It

is the biggest role I’ve ever had on stage and it’s also my favorite.” He shared that initially nding his character voice while singing made it slightly di cult for him to get on stage; he has since perfected it. While this is David’s h Pondo show, it is his rst musical, and he has a special fondness for this role. “I’ve always thought Donkey was the funniest character in Shrek and even as a little kid people would always say I kind of act like him, so I just honed in on that energy to get into character,” he explained.

“This show is so much fun to be a part of, and I know that the audience will have just as much fun coming to watch it,” Annabelle added.

“Shrek, The Musical” runs April 11-13 & 18-20 with performances at 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 2 & 7 p.m. Saturdays at the Ponderosa High School Theater, 3661 Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs. For tickets and more information visit pondodrama.com.

School board members recognized for contributions

The atmosphere at Cold Springs Country Club was electric with anticipation as the El Dorado County School Boards Association hosted its yearly celebration to recognize the remarkable service of school board members to their communities. The March 18 gathering saw a mix of educators, parents and community gures across the county.

“We are honored to celebrate the amazing contributions of our board members and community members,” said El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala. “Their e orts have a profound impact on the lives of our students and the future of El Dorado County.”

Awardees

Category: Educational Statesmanship — Nancy Cahill, Mother Lode Union School District

Category: Leader in Boardsmanship — Je Burch, Black Oak Mine Uni ed School District

Category: Leader in Boardsmanship— Cathy Wilson, Mother Lode Union School District

Category: Lifetime Achievement Award — Judy Morris, Camino Union Elementary School District

Category: Lifetime Achievement Award — Georgianne Knight, El Dorado County O ce of Education

Category: Outstanding Community Member — John Stubble eld, El Dorado Union High School District

Category: Outstanding Community Member— Lora Watts, Gold Oak Union School District

Category: Outstanding Community Member — Gordon Vicini and Carter Kelly Families, Mother Lode Union School District

Category: Outstanding Community Organization — ASPIREKids, El Dorado Union High School District

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for 8,000 children living in El Dorado County.

Each month Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will provide an age-appropriate book for each registered child, absolutely free to the family. All 8,000 children ages 0 to their 5th birthday living in El Dorado County can enroll now to receive a free monthly book. Any child in the home can register and books are available in both English and Spanish.

Category: Outstanding Community Organization — Marcella Foundation, Lake Tahoe Uni ed School District

Category: Outstanding Community Organization — Holy Grail BBQ / Brandon Flynn

“Forging these solid connections among us is vital for centering initiatives that will advance our students’ education,” said Jessicca Rodgers, president of the EDCSBA. As the celebration ended, the award winners le with a sense of honor and recognition. The communal spirit of the event underscored the value of their e orts and acknowledged their hard work.

The Marcella Foundation, founded in 2023 by South Lake Tahoe native Sean Fannan, operates with a mission to think big and make a di erence in Tahoe and beyond in three key areas: feed, read and lead. “We are thrilled to partner with so many amazing organizations to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to the region,” said Melissa Uppendahl, executive director of Marcella Foundation. “This is truly a collaborative e ort to improve outcomes for all children living in our area. While improving children’s literacy skills by the third grade is our most pressing goal, this program aims to help families build literacy skills at home and cultivate a love of reading at a young age.”

Improving early childhood literacy with Dolly

Parton’s Imagination Library creates opportunities for children to thrive and succeed in school, helping their communities grow and prosper. “We believe that parents are a child’s rst teacher. The rst years of life are critical for a child’s learning and development, and the Imagination Library encourages connection and bonding between caregivers and children during those critical years,” said Kathi Guerrero, executive director of First 5 El Dorado. “We’re excited to bring this program to our region.” Children in homes with more extensive home libraries are known to read more, have higher-level reading skills and attain more years of education than those with access to fewer books.

“If children enroll in the Imagination Library at birth, they will receive over 60 books by the time they enter kindergarten. We’re excited to help families build their home libraries and encourage a culture of reading at home,” said Bryce Lovell, director of El Dorado County Library Services. “Children who are read to at an early age and who spend time with books are more likely to become pro cient readers, and with that skill, they are better equipped to learn, discover and grow.” To register a child visit marcellafoundation.org/ dolly.

About Imagination Library

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s

Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gi ing program in the world. The agship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a nonpro t organization, has gi ed over 200 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and community partners. The Imagination Library mails more than 2.6 million high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month from birth to age 5 — at no cost to families.

Parton envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to “dream more, learn more, care more and be more.” The program’s impact has been widely researched and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information visit imaginationlibrary.com.