Saturday, August 4, 2012

Visions 2 Art by the Blind Event

On Thursday, September 13, the Sacramento Chapter of the Foundation Fighting Blindness will host Visions 2 Art by the Blind (showcasing the works of blind artists) from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at the Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa.

This event will bring together hundreds of prominent community members throughout the Sacramento area for an evening filled with music, wine tasting, a silent/live auction and delicious food. Kelly Brothers will be the emcee for the evening and The Harp Lady, Pamela Pamperin, will perform for your listening pleasure.

This event will help support the urgent mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness which is to drive the research that will provide preventions, treatments and cures for the 10 million people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases. Since its inception in 1971, the Foundation has raised $425 million and supported numerous prominent institutions worldwide.

Please support this unforgettable evening, the work of the Foundation and its artists by sponsoring or attending this great event! For more information, to register or to become a sponsor visit blindness.org.

Blog Post information and picture courtesy of Foundation Fighting Blindness Sacramento Chapter.


Looking for local area businesses or a new restaurant or eatery to try?
Look no further than the Style Magazines Resource Guides!

Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter!

Friday, August 3, 2012

OFM and Swingline Launch the Hands Off My Stapler Contest

OFM, a leading office and school furniture manufacturer, distributor and wholesaler, together with Swingline, the makers of the iconic Red Swingline Stapler, have announced they are launching the Hands Off My Stapler Contest! Contestants can win a new desk and shiny red stapler by submitting a photo and description about how they secure their stapler on their desk.

“This is a fun contest for people to share the creative ways they keep their stapler at their desk,” said Blake Zalcberg, co-founder and chief executive officer of OFM. “ We know that many office workers go to great lengths to protect their stapler and we can’t wait to see how far some people actually go.”

To enter, contestants must email a photo in jpeg format to stapler@ofminc.com with a short description of how they make sure their stapler stays at their desk—whether it’s attaching it to a chain made out of rubber bands and paper clips, writing their name on it with white correction fluid, or some other creative idea.

Entrants can begin submitting their photo now! All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on September 30, 2012, to be eligible to win. The contest is open to anyone 18 years of age or older at the time of entry who resides in the continental United States or Hawaii.

All contestants must “like” OFM and Swingline on Facebook to be eligible to win at facebook.com/ofminc and facebook.com/swinglinered. Photos submitted will be posted on OFM’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ofminc, although the number of likes a photo receives does not affect its chances of winning.

To learn more about the contest and enter to win, visit ofminc.com/staplercontest.

Blog Post information and picture courtesy of OFM, Inc. and Swingline.


Looking for local area businesses or a new restaurant or eatery to try?
Look no further than the Style Magazines Resource Guides!

Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter!

Thursday, August 2, 2012

2nd Annual P.A.R.T.Y. Golf Tournament on September 21

The 2nd Annual P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol Risk-Related Trauma in Youth) Golf Tournament will be held on September 21st, at Empire Ranch.

The P.A.R.T.Y. Golf Tournament is a competitive and fun event which calls attention to the urgent need for teen injury prevention, thereby making entire communities safer from less accidents.

Teen driver crashes are the leading cause of death for our nation's youth. An overwhelming majority of these crashes are caused by inexperience or distractions, not "thrill-seeking" or deliberate risk-taking. The fatality rate for drivers ages 16 to 19, based on miles driven, is four times higher than for drivers ages 25 to 69. Cell phone use while driving is pervasive, according to reports from teen respondents of the National Young Driver Survey. 80 percent of teen drivers own a cell phone. Nine out of 10 have witnessed teen drivers talking on a cell phone while driving. These alarming statistics, coupled with other risky teen behaviors, are the reason why P.A.R.T.Y. is so passionate about expanding this program into every high school.

P.A.R.T.Y. needs your support as the demand is huge. The fundraising component is vital to their success in making the roads we share with teens safer for all of us day and night.

Golfers of all skill levels are encouraged to compete and enjoy a great day of golf while supporting P.A.R.T.Y at the same time. With box lunches provided, separate drink carts for the front and back nine, a delicious dinner at Empire Ranch and GREAT auction items, it's sure to be a FUN event! With so many fundraisers out there, they are doing their best to make this tournament one you will want to participate in every year. That's why they've asked local sports celebrities to golf with them, thereby drawing many to the tournament, attracting more sponsors and bringing in more funding to help them expand this program throughout the Sacramento region.

The tournament will take place on Friday, September 21st, at Empire Ranch Golf Club, located at 1620 East Natoma Street in Folsom, starting at 11:30a.m. with registration and warm up time. Box lunches will be passed out at 12:30p.m. with the scramble start time of 1p.m. The silent auction will open at 5:30p.m. along with no-host cocktails. Dinner will start at 6:30p.m., followed by the awards ceremony and sponsor recognition at 7:30p.m., and silent auction winners announced at 8:30p.m.

For more information about this event and to register, please visit partyprogramca.com/events_golfTournament.html.

Blog Post information and picture provided by P.A.R.T.Y.


Looking for local area businesses or a new restaurant or eatery to try?
Look no further than the Style Magazines Resource Guides!

Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

"On the Wild Side" Exhibit at the Gallery at 48 Natoma

Lions, tigers and bears are overrunning the Gallery at 48 Natoma this month; animals of the two-dimensional kind that is! The new exhibit, “On the Wild Side” features the exciting artwork of three artists: oil paintings and gourd sculptures by Judy Arrigotti, photography by Lewis Kemper and watercolors by Monica Turner.

These artists have often traveled the world to portray the animals in their natural habitats. From swinging spider monkeys of the Central American rain forests to growling Alaskan grizzlies and lounging African lions this thrilling display will take you to the wilderness without the need of a Safari guide. The exhibit will open September 7th, and continue through November 1st.

In the adjacent Community Gallery at 48 Natoma, the display will showcase art from some very unusual artists.  For the second year at this time, paintings from the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary animals will be shown from September 7 to October 31.  Non-toxic paints were given to the animals that actually seem to enjoy the painting experience; swiping their paws and rolling around in pleasure on the canvasses. This is your chance to have a masterpiece painted by a mountain lion, tiger, bear, raccoon, monkey or one of the many other animal artists in residence at the zoo. These unique abstract pieces will be offered for sale with benefits supporting the zoo.

The public is invited to celebrate both exhibits at the free opening reception on Friday, September 7th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, with refreshments, wine and live music.

The Gallery at 48 Natoma in Folsom is managed by the Folsom Parks and Recreation Department and showcases art by regional and national professional artists, area museum collections and traveling exhibitions; offering high quality original art exhibits that the community may otherwise not have an opportunity to experience. The gallery is free and open to the public and art is available for purchase. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9-5, with additional hours Thursday nights from 6-8pm.  Free tours can be arranged by appointment. For more information contact Cindy Abraham, (916) 355-7285, or cabraham@folsom.ca.us.
   
Blog Post information and picture courtesy of the Gallery at 48 Natoma


Looking for local area businesses or a new restaurant or eatery to try?
Look no further than the Style Magazines Resource Guides!

Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter!

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Expedition Man Endurance Festival Comes to Life in Northern Nevada

Coming from as far as Australia and as near as North Lake Tahoe, more than 200 men and women athletes are gearing up for a race to remember at Northern Nevada’s inaugural Expedition Man Endurance Festival and Ultra-Distance-Triathlon, taking place Saturday, August 25.

Athletes will begin with a swim at Zephyr Cove Resort, NV at Lake Tahoe, then onto a more than 100-mile-bike-ride through Carson City and a long-run along the Truckee River, ending at the Legends at Sparks Marina.

“The route I chose is unique,” Ryan Kolodge, Expedition Man, Race Director said. “I wanted to give racers the opportunity to tour the great scenery Northern Nevada has to offer.”A self-taught salesman with a Bachelor of Arts in Business, branch manager of a worldwide printing company, Kolodge, 31, completed his first iron-distance race in 2011. “I trained for six-months off and on and finished in 12 hours and 38 minutes calling my mom on the bike portion a few times … I remember that part very well … “Mom, I’m doing it, I just finished the swim and I’m at 20 miles into the bike ride.”

Kolodge soon found himself asking himself, “Why not host a race in Northern Nevada?”

“I went straight home and entertained the idea and did a little research noticing within 800 miles or so, there weren’t that many iron distance triathlons,” he said. “All I thought was one thing – opportunity. I had the drive, the connections and I wanted the challenge.”

After competing in triathlons for five-years, Kolodge had a good idea what a triathlon in Northern Nevada should look like. He took months researching and analyzing routes and alternative routes in case someone [a city] said “no.” Soon after he had his locations, he was one man, with a sponsorship book, an idea, access to Internet and first-hand course knowledge.

“I was turned down left and right until Hammer Nutrition said “yes!” I had a sponsor and it felt good,” he said. “I took that small amount of momentum and Zephyr Cove Resort got on board for the swim start, Carson City was very excited and the City of Sparks was thrilled … I wanted my city [Sparks] to succeed.” Carson City permitted the event to go against traffic five-blocks down Main Street, highlighting the State Legislator Building along with other historical sites. Cyclists will continue into the peaceful basin of Washoe Valley then onto Reno and ending at the Legends at Sparks Marina.

“They [the athletes] will never be too far from the action of festival we have in store,” Kolodge said. “We’ve got musicians, vendors, food and drink all lined up for the spectator-friendly event.”

The run route utilizes the  great river trail which drops runners off at the host hotel for a turnaround point at mile 6.5. Runners will then race back on the river trail and through the Legends and end in front of Scheels. The marathoners will finish the remanding 13.1 miles in and around the marina coming through the Legends area twice before finishing. Athletes can choose from an iron man and half iron man distance. There also is an option to do an “Aqua Bike” a swim/bike for those who want to save their legs and a Relay option. The Relay has the option of two or three person teams in either distance. “This is a great way to jump into the triathlon world without fully committing to the entire event and a great way to meet other athletes from all over,” Kolodge said.

For more information on Expedition Man, visit expeditionman.com.

Blog Post information provided by Expedition Man.


Looking for local area businesses or a new restaurant or eatery to try?
Look no further than the Style Magazines Resource Guides!

Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Award Winning Artists Open Their Studios To The Public

On September 22 and 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can visit the home studios of fifteen great artists! This free event is open to the public and is a wonderful way to spend your day in Auburn. For a map of each artist’s studio visit northauburnartists.com. All of the artists on this tour are only a short distance from each other.

Some of the artists you will see are; Sonja Hamilton, who is noted for her fluid, concise watercolors.  She has taught classes all over the world and in June 2012 she taught a watercolor class in Provence, France. Another accomplished artist is Cathy Cline who makes colorful one-of-a-kind gold,  silver and enameled jewelry. She has a Master’s Degree in Jewelry Design.

Don Crawford is a Master Cabinet Maker who has turned his attention to wood sculpture. Patty Pieropan Dong creates wonderful California Landscapes using oils,watercolors and block print media.

The art of Reif Erickson can be found in public, corporate and private collections throughout the Pacific Coast.  His Landscape pastels are masterfully created from his travels. Dirk Dusharme is an award winning designer and photographer that uses photography as a springboard into examining architecture with his own peculiar perspective. Rita Forman is a Art Glass Beadmaker. Her beads are colorful and elegant and are all handmade from glass from Italy and the U.S.A..

Roam through the yard of International Award Winning artist Jennifer Johnson who creates metal sculptures from discarded steel.  Many of her powerful sculptures focus on the human form and horses.

Anita Posey Lowe is well known for her reasonably priced pottery. Her beautiful  bowls, cups and dishes are all one-of-a-kind works of art. Browse through the studio of the creative, colorful blown glass of Rick and Janet Nicholson. Watch glass blowing being formed and shaped from a simple ball of glass into a colorful sculpture of art. Some of their larger projects can be found at Kaiser Permanente in Roseville,California or around the world at The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Shenzhen, China.

The vibrant colors and bold designs of Barbra Patich’s hand painted silk are bedazzling. She combines steel cut in organic shapes that is woven into the silk. During the weekend she will be demonstrating painting on silk. And visitors may also try their hand at using dyes and painting on silk.  Diane Wood works in both metal and glass. Her study of nature is found in spiral movement of the work. Many of her large wall pieces are an expression of motion and textures through the transparency of the glass.

Paula DiLeo create whimsical art with mixed media that has bold bright colors and detailed patterns.  Her subjects vary from children, animals and flowers but her favorite subjects are faces of women with large soulful eyes. Vincent DiLeo is a self taught photographer. His images are created by using multiple layers of photographs and blending the colors and images into one.  The symbolic nature of taking a fragment of time and blending them together has inspired him to create vibrant abstract art photos and dreamscapes, photographic images from his dreams. Vincent will be given a short visual presentation on how he creates photographs from his dreams on both days at 1 p. m.

For more information about the artists or event, please visit northauburnartists.com.

Blog Post information and picture courtesy of North Auburn Artists.


Looking for local area businesses or a new restaurant or eatery to try?
Look no further than the Style Magazines Resource Guides!

Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter!

Sunday, July 29, 2012

The Gathering Inn Homeless Shelter Suspends Shelter

With sadness, The Gathering Inn will suspend shelter for the next 6-8 weeks.

The economy has created many challenges for individuals and business alike. Unfortunately, The Gathering Inn is experiencing a financial deficit that requires them to close their doors temporarily. This year, they began with an $80,000 deficit (or 12% of their budget) created by decreased grant funding. They have been able to narrow this deficit over the year, but still remain short.  

July 29th will be their last day of operation. The Gathering Inn will be helping the most fragile of the homeless to get placement. The hope is to keep some of their services open while the shelter is on hiatuses, such as the Community Health Clinic which will still remain open Saturday mornings from 9-12; the Medical Transport will still be operating on Tuesdays and Thursday to transport persons from Roseville to Placer County Community Clinic and the Interim Care Program will remain in operation (the house in Auburn which provides respite care for persons coming out of Sutter or Kaiser). Volunteers have been arranged for twice weekly showers so the homeless can come and get cleaned up for employment and interviewing.

During the hiatus, The Gathering Inn will diligently be working on funding so that we they will be able to open their doors again in mid-September and remain open!  Since they will be working with a minimal staff, no donations of clothing or other personal hygiene items will be accepted.

They thank you all for your prayers and support. The Gathering Inn hopes to be providing shelter services with your help in the near future. Updates of the situation will be sent out on their InnSpire e-newsletter.  To sign up for the e-newsletter, or if you'd like information on how you or your business can donate to The Gathering Inn, please visit thegatheringinn.com.

Blog Post information and picture courtesy of The Gathering Inn.


Looking for local area businesses or a new restaurant or eatery to try?
Look no further than the Style Magazines Resource Guides!

Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter!