Next Site Tour:
Sat. August 11
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Last May, the New York Times published a feature article celebrating Sacramento's riches as a travel destination, from its "thriving cultural scene" to its geographic setting "
at the confluence of two impressive rivers, with sprawling shade trees that make much of the city feel like a leafy urban park." The article singled out 12 uniquely rewarding Sacramento experiences, including outstanding museums, theatres, restaurants, shopping venues, hiking trails, breweries, coffee roasters, and more. The article can be found here:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/31/travel/what-to-do-in-sacramento.html
In addition to all that Sacramento has to offer, residents of Fair Oaks have a lot to enjoy in their own backyard. Here are five favorite things to do in Fair Oaks, contributed by future residents of Fair Oaks EcoHousing. We plan to continue this list, expanding outwards to surrounding areas, in future issues.
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Visit the Historic Red Bridge, built in 1907
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Stroll over the pedestrian bridge in old Fair Oaks, enjoying the beautiful views of the river. On the other side, follow one of the trails down to the water or continue on the American River Parkway, a bike and pedestrian path meandering 23 miles along the river.
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Let your Dog Romp in Phoenix Park Dog Park
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Have a dog? Check out the spacious, well kept Dog Park in Phoenix Park, Fair Oaks. The park has a large dog side, a small dog side, and a smaller, separate enclosure for elderly, shy, or otherwise less social dogs. For park hours, directions, and other information, see
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Stroll through the Vernal Pools
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If you are visiting Phoenix Park in late April or early May, be sure to enjoy a "flower walk" through the Vernal Pools, which explode into spectacular 'fairy circles' of golden blossoms every Spring. A visit to this wetlands preserve, though, with its ancient oaks and native meadows, is lovely any time.
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Spend a day rafting down the lower American River. Splash through the gentle San Juan Rapids and stop at one of the many beaches for a picnic and a swim. Rafts are available from The River Rat from April through October. Catered lunches and a shuttle back to your car for an additional fee.
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See Why Sunflower is a Fair Oaks Icon
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Enjoy a "Nutburger" or "Nutty Taco," followed--if room allows--by a scoop of homemade ice cream at Sunflower Drive-In, the justly famous vegetarian fast food venue in old Fair Oaks Village. Lines can be long but the chickens-there are 200 wild ones in Fair Oaks-provide free entertainment while you wait.
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Online Training Programs Foster the Growth of Cohousing
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Chuck Durrett, architect for Fair Oaks EcoHousing, is offering an online training program to foster the development of more senior cohousing projects, both in the U.S, and abroad. Our cohousing development consultant, Katie McCamant, has also developed an online program, to train a new generation of cohousing consultants.
Online Training Explores How to Age in Place Successfully
Architect and pioneer of senior cohousing in North America Charles Durrett (McCamant & Durrett Architects) will host Study Group 1, Aging Successfully (SG1) Online Facilitator Training online this fall. The 10 week Training is designed to address the needs of older adults for more independence and control of their lives, particularly in relation to housing.
The SG1 Facilitator Training offers experiential learning on aging issues and the logistics of creating a supportive housing community. Limited to 20 people, the course allows for one-on-one dialogue and small group exercises, given at a pace tailored to each and every one involved. Participants will receive coaching from Durrett on how to organize and motivate senior groups to take an active role in their housing choices and gain essential tools to launch senior cohousing in their area. No prior knowledge of cohousing is required. Sign up by visiting
http://www.cohousingco.com/events/aging-successfully-training
.
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Building 500 Communities: A Training Program for Cohousing Consultants
Katie McCamant and CoHousing Solutions have developed an online, year-long program to train professional cohousing consultants. McCamant describes the training as aimed at “passionate entrepreneurs who want to devote themselves to the goal of building the next 500 communities while working collaboratively, supporting each other and expanding their career options:”
“This program will build the infrastructure to create the next 500 communities. I need you, because I want to see these collaborative communities built sooner rather than later. Scaling cohousing across the country will take a network of professionals catalyzing new development. This program will help you reach your personal career goals while contributing to the larger picture of a more sustainable future.” - Katie McCamant, Cohousing Solutions President
The program includes monthly webinars; conference calls and private consultations with Katie; and access to an online learning platform. Participants will have the opportunity to meet Katie and other participants face to face during a private retreat in Nevada City in September. For more information, visit www.cohousing-solutions.com/intro-to-500-communities
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Find Out About Our Community
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Come See Us at Harvest Day, Saturday, August 4, from 8-2 at the Fair Oaks Horticultural Center.
Sponsored by the University of California Master Gardeners, Harvest Day has been described as "a gardener's dream," with speakers, demos, and mini-workshops on topics from edible landscaping to water efficiency to composting. Fair Oaks EcoHousing, which has been recognized for its use of eco-friendly building methods and materials, will be one of many organizations hosting an educational table. Come by table 22 and say hello and check out all this free event has to offer! For more information, visit http://sacmg.ucanr.edu/Harvest_Day.
Curious about Cohousing?
Join us on September 11 for an evening of coffee & conversation
Ever wondered what cohousing is all about, or if it might be a good fit for you? If so, you are warmly invited to join us at 7 pm on September 11 for an informal evening of coffee and conversation about cohousing. Held at the home of future Fair Oaks EcoHousing residents Bob and Karen Anderson, 5001 Shamrock Drive, Fair Oaks, CA, 95628. Please rsvp to Karen by phone or text at 916-947-3070 or email:
fresianlass@gmail.com
.
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Foundation Framing for Buildings 1, 2, and 6
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The energy among the members was different during the last site tour. As we walked the site, we could more clearly envision our homes, the common spaces and how it all is becoming real. Buildings 1, 2 and 6 have their foundation framing in, plumbing and electric services in place, and rebar installed. The hundreds of upright rebar, about 2’ high, are capped with orange plastic caps. There are lots of them and the site looks remarkably like a field of California Poppies.
The pouring of the concrete footings for buildings 2 & 6 is to happen soon. Building 1 needed a plumbing revision before work can continue. That revision is in process and work will soon get back on schedule. Surveying, inspections and permits, that’s the mantra these days. Darryl keeps all these processes moving forward and well coordinated. Layouts for buildings 3, 4 & 5 has begun. Since we have gained an extra 5’ of property along the East side, discussions on how best to utilize this space are underway. Expect an even better landscaping design incorporating this extra space.
The swales on the property are taking shape. In nature a swale is a low tract of land, especially one that is moist or
marshy
. Our swales augment natural contours and are designed to act as
infiltration basins
managing water
runoff
, filter
pollutants
, and increase rainwater
infiltration
.
John Szostek
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Be Part of Our Community.
Homes Available
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As construction progresses on our project,
Fair Oaks EcoHousing has only a few homes left. Call now to learn about cohousing, tour the site and reserve either a 2+ bedroom townhome, a three bedroom flat, or a spacious 2-story 4 bedroom townhome that is now available.
Key features for all include:
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Large windows, allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the home and make rooms feel light and spacious
• Open design for living and dining areas, providing more space and flexibility in use
• Modern kitchen
with ample storage and counter space
• Porch or deck for visiting with neighbors
The 2-story 2+ bedroom townhome includes:
• Bathroom upstairs and downstairs
• "Plus" room, ideal for a home office, craft room, or play room
The 3 bedroom upstairs flat features:
• All rooms on one floor for easy access
• Lots of light
• Wrap-around deck for enjoying the weather
The 4 bedroom townhome includes:
• Spacious upstairs master bedroom with a full master bath and walk-through closet
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First-floor bedroom, perfect for a home office, an aging family member, or single-floor downstairs living
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Large wrap-around porch that provides roomy outdoor living space
Like all homes in Fair Oaks EcoHousing, these homes are designed for energy efficient living, with eco-friendly construction and high-quality fixtures and finishes.
Fair Oaks EcoHousing is a pedestrian-friendly village for residents of all ages, with a centrally-located clubhouse, pool and spa, and garden.
The location is close to Fair Oaks Village and the American River Parkway, with many nearby dining and entertainment options, plus easy access to the freeway.
If you are interested in learning about the community, please see below for information on the site tour.
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Fair Oaks EcoHousing Site Tours
Saturday August 11 and Sunday August 26 at
10:30am
Fair Oaks EcoHousing will be a neighborhood of 30 homes on 3.7 acres in Fair Oaks, CA, 18 miles east of downtown Sacramento. Come see the site and our architectural plans, and meet members at an upcoming cohousing informational meeting. Kids are welcome.
Act now! Fair Oaks EcoHousing has only a few homes left. If you are interested, please come to the informational meeting and site tour. Other h
omes do become available on occasion. If you like what you see at the tour, please join our interest list to be notified of new availability.
To go on the Site Tour, meet at 10:30 am
at the
Fair Oaks Coffeehouse in Fair Oaks Village,
at 10223 Fair Oaks Blvd
, at the intersection with Park Drive. Look for us on the side of the Coffeehouse, in the patio area or in the building at the back. We will introduce you to the project, and then we can carpool to the site.
The event will last about an hour and a half, with an optional lunch afterwards at the Siam Patio Restaurant or the Smokey Oaks Tavern. If you can't make it Saturday, the next tour is Sunday August 26. Please RSVP below. Thanks!
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Want to Learn More About Fair Oaks & Sacramento?
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Pictured: Fair Oaks Village, Fair Oaks Theatre Festival, Floating the American River.
Click below for useful links, there's a lot to keep us busy here!
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