FOLSOM'S VETERANS DAY PARADE

Folsom residents will honor the nation's veterans at the 23rd annual Wayne Spence Folsom Veterans Day Parade starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, November 11. This year, 10 local veterans of various conflicts are being recognized in the role of Grand Marshall:

• Jay Wiley – veteran of the Korean War
• Ken Davis, Ben Pallacios, Robert Strebel, and Randy Vigallon – veterans of the Vietnam War
• Mark Holm – veteran of Operation Desert Storm
• Thurlow Craggs – veteran of Operation Just Cause
• Josh Baker – veteran of the Global War on Terrorism
• Rachel Cunningham – veteran of the War in Afghanistan
• Josh Dale – veteran of the Iraq War

The parade stages in the Target/Home Goods parking lot and begins on East Bidwell Street, travels northbound on Coloma Street, and proceeds to Natoma Street. Roads along the parade route will be closed to vehicle traffic and detours will be marked; closures will be lifted immediately after the parade ends. After the parade, a brief ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial in City Lions Park. The parade is held rain or shine; call 916-461-6615 or email tocampo@folsom.ca.us with questions.

Help protect and enhance the historic and cultural character of Folsom’s treasured Historic District. The City of Folsom seeks a resident, business owner, and historic preservationist to serve on the Historic District Commission.

The commission is responsible for reviewing the design and architecture of new or altered structures within the Historic District, as well as applications for sign permits, conditional use permits, variances, land divisions, and land mergers within the district. In addition, the Historic District Commission advises and makes recommendations to the City Council concerning matters associated with historic landmarks, sites, and structures.

Applications are due November 16. Visit the City of Folsom website to learn more and apply.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR WILD NIGHTS AND HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE FOLSOM ZOO SANCTUARY

This annual family event returns for the 13th year with thousands of bright lights, sparkling ornaments and trees, lighted animal figures, and displays transforming the zoo sanctuary with holiday spirit. Local caroling groups and musicians provide the merry sounds of the season, and the Folsom Valley Railway miniature train provides special nighttime rides.

Wild Nights and Holiday Lights is open from 5 to 8:30 p.m. December 1, 2, 8, 9 and 15-22 (weather permitting; heavy rains will cancel). All proceeds from the event benefit the zoo sanctuary animals.

Event details:

• Tickets are available at www.folsom.ca.us/HolidayLightsTickets
• Admission and train tickets are only available online; no onsite ticket sales
• Event admission is $10/person and train tickets are $5/person; free for ages under 2 years
• Special treats and beverages are available for purchase from Fisher’s Beastro and from visiting food trucks

Early ticket purchase is encouraged since many nights of the event sell out quickly. Follow Facebook.com/FolsomParksandRec for event updates; call 916-461-6601 with questions.

FRIENDS OF THE FOLSOM LIBRARY BOOKSTORE EXPANSION GRAND OPENING NOVEMBER 4

The Friends of the Folsom Library has moved their bookstore to the space previously occupied by Einstein’s Café in the Library rotunda. This expansion will allow the Friends to double the sales space for used books, media, and handmade gift cards.

A grand opening celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 4. In addition to their regular items, the grand opening celebration will feature additional items for purchase: 

• A featured selection of Christmas books and CDs.    
• Several beautiful Easton Press leather-bound classics.
• Succulent plants by Cub Scouts Pack 1855 to raise money for the Friends of the Folsom Library. 
• A silent auction for a gently used microscope kit that includes a range of eyepieces and several hundred slides.

Volunteers entirely run the bookstore. In 27 years of operation, the Friends of the Folsom Library has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support library projects, including new computers, furniture, play equipment, activity kits, board games, speaker presentations, and the annual Summer Reading program. This holiday season, consider giving the reader in your household a Friends of the Folsom Library membership or donate in their name. Visit the Folsom Public Library and the bookstore at 411 Stafford Street. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/library.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT 

Join Michael Fris, Field Supervisor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to learn how the Endangered Species Act has protected 99% of the listed plant and animal species from extinction. Michael oversees wildlife, plant and fish conservation matters in 38 counties across the state of Califor­nia and works with staff to monitor the status of more than 100 species listed under the Endangered Species Act.

The seminar will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 8 at the Rotary Clubhouse, 7150 Baldwin Dam Road. Ages 10 through adult are welcome to attend; the registration fee is $5/person. Learn more and register online.

DIWALI FIREWORKS SAFETY 

The Indian festival of Diwali or Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is traditionally celebrated with the use of fireworks. The use of approved fireworks in conjunction with this festival may occur Saturday, November 11, through Sunday, November 12, in the City of Folsom. The Folsom Fire Department is asking the public to take the following precautions when using fireworks during the festival period:

• Make sure the fireworks have the State Fire Marshal “Safe and Sane” seal.
• The use of fireworks for this celebration must be conducted under adult supervision at all times.
• Have a bucket of water, sand, or garden hose available at the firing site.
• Read all instructions before use.
• Never alter, modify, or enhance fireworks—use only in the manner intended.
• Make sure fireworks have proper clearance from flammable materials, including dry grass and brush.
• Keep your pets safe by keeping them indoors and providing a quiet, secure place during fireworks displays.

For more information, visit www.folsom.ca.us/fire or contact the Folsom Fire Department at 916-461-6300 or FolsomFire@folsom.ca.us.

NOMINATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 9 FOR FOLSOM ARTS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The City of Folsom is accepting nominations for the annual Arts Achievement Recognition Awards program. To be eligible, individuals or non-profit organizations must be clearly related to visual, performing, arts education or historic arts; or must be a substantial contributor to stabilize an arts organization, provide arts services to the community, or actively promote the arts. Nominees must be Folsom residents or a Folsom-based business/organization. Nominations are due by November 9, 2023.

Nominations for the awards should be accompanied with a detailed and specific statement about why the nominees are worthy of the award and the recommended type of recognition. For more information, contact Cindy Abraham by email or call 916-461-6611.

SECRET LIFE OF CHARLES DICKENS AT THE LIBRARY 

Explore the publication of “A Christmas Carol” and its enduring legacy on Christmas customs. Author and book blogger Carrie Sessarego will share the inside story about the novella, as well as Dickens’ private and public controversies. The event will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 18 in the Folsom Public Library Meeting Room. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/library.

VOLUNTEER TO HARVEST ACORNS

Fall has arrived in Folsom. Our native oak trees are now shedding acorns, providing essential nutrients for our natural environment and wildlife. Join the Sacramento Tree Foundation and volunteer to collect acorns for urban reforestation and educational programs. Volunteers will later plant the seedlings in open space areas. Learn more and sign up to volunteer.

ANNUAL HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE RETURNS 

The Folsom Citizens Assisting Public Safety (CAPS), in partnership with the Folsom Police and Fire departments, are collecting holiday toys and gift items for Folsom families in need. The program begins November 13 and ends December 8. Here are two ways you can help:

• You can select to fulfill the specific wish of a child from the Virtual Christmas Tree, choose to receive an Amazon Wish List, or shop for the item locally.
• Bring a gift of your choosing for a child, teen, or adult. New, unopened, and unwrapped toys, as well as new clothing or gift cards, may be dropped off at designated gift drop-off locations.

Visit folsomtoydrive.com for additional details and designated gift drop-off locations. Contact Jessica Hess at 916-461-6516 or jhess@folsom.ca.us for more information.

HOUSEHOLD LEAKS ARE MORE THAN A DROP IN THE BUCKET 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the average American home loses more than 27 gallons of water a day to leaks—that’s like losing more than a tank of gas every day. Leaks don’t just waste water, they can also damage your home and garden.

Fortunately, it’s easy to be a leak detective. Here are some simple steps to follow:

• Check your water bill for an unusual increase in water usage or monthly charge. This can be a sign your home has a leak.
• Add a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet to the tank at the back of your toilet, wait 10 minutes, and then check to see if the color appears in the bowl. If it does, you most likely have a worn toilet flapper. Turn off the water to the toilet and replace the old flapper with the same type or a universal model, which can usually be found at your local hardware store. When in doubt, contact a professional plumber for help.
• Examine all of your faucets and showerheads for leaks. That little drip might not seem like much, but a faucet leaking one drip per second can waste close to 60 gallons of water a week, enough to do nearly 15 loads of dishes in your dishwasher.
• Walk your yard and look for unusual wet or soggy spots. These can be a sign that there is a broken sprinkler pipe or loose connection. Try to check your sprinklers once a month for problems like broken or clogged sprinkler heads, and make sure to repair any problems you find.

Folsom residents are eligible for a Flume Smart Home Water Monitor rebate. The Flume monitor works with any water meter, is easy to install, and allows you to view indoor and outdoor water use in real-time and get an alert when a leak is detected.

City of Folsom water customers can purchase the Flume device for just $50 (regularly $249) after a discount and rebate. On Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the Flume price drops to $40.

Visit www.folsom.ca.us/rebates for details or contact the City of Folsom Water Conservation Division at waterconservation@folsom.ca.us or 916-461-6177.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE NOVEMBER 10 FOR YOUTH INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUES 

Form a team of your outdoor soccer teammates and friends and come play indoor soccer at the Andy Morin Sports Complex! We guarantee a minimum of six games of fast-paced action and fun; playoff games may be scheduled to determine division champions. Boys’ and girls’ league divisions are for under 8 years through under 16 years, and include rec, academy/comp, and open. You must register as a team; registration must be completed in-person at the Andy Morin Sports Complex, 66 Clarksville Road. Registration for all teams closes at 5 p.m. November 10 or when full. Play begins December 3; call 916-461-6650 with questions.

CITY OF FOLSOM HOLIDAY CLOSURES IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY

City administrative offices will be closed Friday, November 10 in observance of Veterans Day. The city’s annual Veterans Day Parade begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, November 11.

For urgent city issues, call 916-461-6400. Call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies.

• Garbage service will be provided as usual Friday; please place your cans curbside by 6 a.m. on your regular day of service.
• Transit services will be available through the Folsom Stage Line operated by SacRT.
• The Folsom Public Library Is closed on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11.
• The Folsom Fire Department administrative services located at 535 Glenn Drive, will be closed Friday.
• The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is open regular hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. On Saturday, November 11, veterans and active duty military can receive free admission with valid military I.D. (valid only 11/11).
• The Andy Morin Sports Complex is open regular hours Friday and Saturday.
• The Steve Miklos Aquatic Center is closed Friday and Saturday.
• The FIDO Field Dog Park will be open from 7 a.m. to one hour after sunset.
• The Folsom Skate and Bike Parks are open regular hours from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday and 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday.
• The Folsom Senior Center, Folsom Art Center, and Gallery at 48 Natoma are closed Friday and Saturday.
• Fun Factory, Kindergarten Readiness, and the after-school CAVE programs are closed Friday and Saturday.

City of Folsom Communications Director

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

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