America's largest cycling race, the Amgen Tour of California, will bring the excitement of professional cycling to California for the 13th consecutive year May 13 through 19. Throughout seven stages over seven days, the world's best male and female cyclists will compete on a 600-mile course from Long Beach to Sacramento. Folsom will host the Men's Race Stage 6 start Friday, May 18. Riders begin Stage 6 on the Johnny Cash Trail, and transition to East Natoma Street and then to Green Valley Road, where they will significantly ramp up their speed. The 123-mile route includes 16,000 feet of climbing and ends in South Lake Tahoe. Learn more about the Amgen Tour of California on the City of Folsom website.

To accommodate the growing need for telephone numbers in the region, a new 279 area code has been added to the area currently served by the 916 area code. This is known as an area code overlay, and will require a new dialing procedure. Beginning February 10, the new dialing procedure requires everyone with a 916 area code to dial 1 + area code + telephone number. Everyone with a 916 area code -- including Folsom residents -- will be affected by the new dialing procedures. The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay, and what is considered a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed. Calls placed to 911 will not be affected by the new procedures, and will continue to be dialed with the three digits. If you have questions regarding the new overlay procedures, contact your phone service provider or visit the California Public Utilities Commission website .

Medicine Collection Bin Available at Folsom Police Department
Have unused or unwanted medications around the house? Don't send those down the drain or throw them in the trash. Instead, stop by the Folsom Police Department at 46 Natoma Street and toss them in the secured medicine collection bin. Residents using the medication collection bin should take pills out of the bottles and place in sealed plastic bags. Liquids and creams should be left in their original containers. Sharps and syringes will not be accepted. The Folsom Police Department lobby is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, excluding Wednesdays and holidays.

City of Folsom Offers Sharps Take Back
In California, it is against the law to put sharps in the trash, including lancets, hypodermic needles, syringes and scalpel blades. Sh arps can be contaminated, injure family members and be a hazard to the workers collecting and sorting waste and recyclables. The City of Folsom offers free sharps disposals at various locations citywide. The Folsom Fire Department offers free approved sharps containers at all four fire stations, and it is recommend to call first to ensure firefighters are at the station before coming by. Or, take sharps to Fire Station 35 at 535 Glenn Drive during normal business hours and administrative staff can provide assistance. For more information call 916-984-2280.

The AARP Tax-Aide program will provide free tax preparation and assistance to low and middle income Folsom residents, with special attention to those age 60 and older. The popular community service is held at the Folsom Public Library, and is available by appointment every Monday through April 9 (excluding President's Day on February 19). Appointments are scheduled through the 211 Sacramento Community Service Help Line from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling 916-498-1000 .

The Folsom Senior Center hosts "Meaningful Moments: Techniques for Dementia Care," from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 13. Caring for a loved one with dementia poses many challenges for families and caregivers. Christina Hollingsworth, program director at Empire Ranch Alzheimer's Special Care Center, shares information and tips with workshop attendees to improve the quality of life for both the person with dementia and the caregiver. All ages are welcome to attend. Reserve your free seat online or call 916-461-6601 for more information. The Folsom Senior Center is located at 48 Natoma Street, next to Folsom City Hall.

The Folsom Aquatic Center is hiring swim instructors for the summer season. To be considered for the position, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum age of 15 by the March 7 group interview date
• Swim team experience preferred but not required
• Possess an enthusiastic attitude and enjoy working with children

Swim instructors will participate in a comprehensive, pre-season training program led by Folsom Aquatic Center staff. To learn more about becoming a swim instructor, contact Scott Seeba at 916-461-6648 or sseeba@folsom.ca.us . To enroll in the March 7 group interview, call the Folsom Aquatic Center at 916-461-6640.

Water Conservation - There's An App for That  

The Folsom Public Library's It's Okay to Read YA Book Club meetings are now held at Barnes & Noble Kitchen at the Palladio. This book club is for adults who like to read -- or are interested in reading -- Young Adult books. The meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The February 13 book club selection is "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black and the March 13 book club selection is "The Hazel Wood" by Melissa Albert. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/library.