FOLSOM HONORS NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

Each year, National Police Week honors the law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This year, the Folsom Police Department joined this solemn tribute alongside thousands of officers from across the country, participating in commemorative ceremonies held in our nation's capital. The City of Folsom salutes the service of law enforcement officers in our community and across the nation. 

LIBRARY SET TO REOPEN MAY 26 AS CARPET REPLACEMENT NEARS COMPLETION

The Folsom Public Library's eagerly awaited carpet replacement project will be completed on schedule for the reopening Friday, May 26. The library will reopen just in time to kick off the Summer Reading Challenge, a favorite summertime program that will run throughout June and July.

Library staff members have been diligently working to facilitate the construction crew's tasks by relocating equipment and expanding the library's book collection to meet the demands of the busy summer season.

For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge and other library programs, visit www.folsom.ca.us/library.

SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT IDEAS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY

The 10th annual Community Service Day takes place Saturday, September 16. This major citywide event mobilizes thousands of volunteers to complete dozens of service projects throughout Folsom that make a positive, lasting impact. Do you have a great idea for a Community Service Day project? The deadline is June 30 to submit your idea for consideration.

A variety of sponsorship opportunities are also available to help support this wonderful community event; call Jen Thiot at 916-461-6712 or email jthiot@folsom.ca.us for more details.

Find more information about Community Service Day and submit project ideas at folsomcommunityservice.org.

TWO OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC WORKS MANAGEMENT

In recognition of their outstanding contributions to public works management, two City of Folsom employees have been honored with Public Works Manager of the Year Awards from the American Public Works Association, Sacramento Chapter.

General Services Manager, Marie McKeeth, was named Solid Waste Manager of the Year; and Engineering Manager, Brian Reed, was named Engineering Manager of the Year.

• Marie manages the Waste and Recycling Division of the Public Works Department, in addition to Fleet Management and Household Hazardous Waste, and oversees more than 60 employees. In her nearly 30 years of public service, Marie has been integral to the growth and development of Folsom’s recycling program.

• Brian has served the Folsom community since 1997. Notable projects include overseeing the construction of the Lake Natoma Crossing bridge and the Historic District Revitalization Project, as well as major transportation projects, including the Orangevale Bridge Rehabilitation, the Green Valley Road Widening Project, and the Capital SouthEast Connector Segment D3A Project.

The Professional Manager of the Year Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions and achievements of professional managers and leaders in the Sacramento region in the field of public works. The American Public Works Association is an international nonprofit organization of more than 28,500 members involved in the public works industry. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy, and the exchange of knowledge.

STORYTIME AT THE FOLSOM ZOO SANCTUARY

Join the wonderful zoo sanctuary docents from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 25 for storytime. Volunteer docents read stories featuring a variety of animals and engage young audience members with animal puppets. The books used for storytime are appropriate for ages 4+, but all ages are welcome to attend. Storytime at the zoo sanctuary is held the fourth Thursday of every month on the outdoor Canid Patio or in the Barnyard Experience (depending on weather conditions). Regular zoo sanctuary admission fees apply; purchase tickets online or at the gate.

MULCHING: A SUMMER ESSENTIAL FOR TREES

As the summer season approaches, it's time to prioritize mulching for your trees. Mulch offers numerous benefits that contribute to the well-being of trees and the overall health of the environment.

• Conservation of Water: Mulching plays a crucial role in water conservation. By retaining moisture and minimizing water evaporation, mulch keeps the soil hydrated around your trees. This helps reduce water usage and promotes efficient irrigation practices.
• Weed Control Made Easy: Tired of spending countless hours weeding your garden? Mulch can come to the rescue. Acting as a protective barrier, mulch blocks sunlight from reaching the weeds, preventing their growth.
• Nutrient Boost for Trees: Trees need vital nutrients to thrive, and mulch provides a natural solution. Over time, mulch breaks down and enriches the soil, releasing essential nutrients that trees require for healthy growth.

Free Mulch and Compost for Folsom Residents

Did you know that you can get free mulch and compost? Folsom residents can take advantage of this opportunity at two self-serve stations. Bring your own shovel and containers for transportation and visit one of the following locations:

• Behind City Hall (50 Natoma St., behind the rear parking lot, near the cell tower)
• Next to Fire Station 36 (next to the sandbag location on Oak Avenue Parkway)

Mulch and compost is available on a first-come, first-served basis. City staff monitor and refill the piles regularly. As local supplies deplete, more compost is ordered—a process that can take a few days.

Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/organics.

THE FOLSOM SENIOR CENTER IS HIRING 

The Folsom Senior Center is accepting applications for a senior lounge attendant, a senior nutrition program assistant, and an assistant for teen and senior programs. All positions are part-time with varied hours. Learn more about the positions online, or call Nadia Khhokhhar Roberts at 916-461-6685 or email nroberts@folsom.ca.us with questions.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: ZUMBA GOLD!

The Folsom Senior Center is excited to bring back the popular Zumba Gold program for ages 55+. Classes are held from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays starting June 7 at the Folsom Senior Center, 48 Natoma Street. Zumba Gold is a low-impact program created for active adults, with easy-to-follow choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion, and coordination. Come ready to sweat and prepare to leave empowered and feeling strong! The four-week session fee is $30 for Folsom residents; register online or call 916-461-6601 with questions.

JOIN US FOR A TREE CARE VOLUNTEER EVENT AT FOLSOM CITY HALL

Join us as we help take care of the trees at Folsom City Hall! Volunteers of all ages are invited to join in a tree care volunteer event from 8:45 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 24. The event, organized in partnership with the Sacramento Tree Foundation, aims to enhance the beauty and health of the trees surrounding City Hall through mulching.

Tools and supplies will be provided. Participants can expect to receive a brief, hands-on training session on-site, where they will learn about the tools and techniques involved in mulching. After the training, volunteers will be divided into groups and assigned to different areas for tree care activities.

Register today!

988 SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE: CALL, TEXT, OR CHAT

There is hope. People experiencing mental health crises need to remember just three numbers to dial for help: 988. The 988 Lifeline provides free, confidential support to people experiencing suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The Lifeline is available 24/7 and helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day.

The 988 Lifeline is available throughout California and provides an alternative to 911 for people experiencing mental health emergencies. The number makes it simpler for people in crisis to tap into the state’s network of 13 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call centers.

People can call, text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. The 988 Lifeline serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.

City of Folsom Communications Director

Christine Brainerd | cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us | 916-461-6013 (office)

Get connected. Stay informed.

City of Folsom | 50 Natoma Street | www.folsom.ca.us