Raina LeGarreta compiles these listings. If you would like an event or show included, please send details via email to and write “Arts Calendar” in the subject line; include as much information as possible, including dates, times, ticket prices, address and details on purchasing tickets.

The Elk Grove Youth Orchestra (EGYO) was established recently, and will officially kick off officially with a potluck dinner, rehearsal, and auditions for the community on April 11. Formed in January under the leadership of Musical Director Michael Chan, the nonprofit aims to give local young people between the ages of 6 and 20 an opportunity to perform in a full orchestra. The potluck begins at 5:30 p.m., orchestra rehearsal starts at 7 p.m., and auditions with Chan and two additional instructors will commence at 8 p.m. For more information, visit the website www.elkgroveyouthorchestra.org, send an email to , or contact Marilyn Flemmer at (916) 685-9560.

Sheldon High School Music Department’s Twilight Music Camp will be held on May 19-22. The Music Camp will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Sheldon High School Music Room. The Sheldon Band Twilight Music Camp aims to provide young musicians in grades 4-7 with the highest quality musical experience through working in small groups with the school’s musicians under the direction of Jim Mazzaferro, as well as in the full concert band setting. The camp also offers young instrumentalists an opportunity to improve their personal skill level, increase awareness of their ability, and expand the possibilities for enjoyment of music in an atmosphere of artistic expression and fulfillment. Some of the Camp’s features include: a concert performance with Sheldon School musicians, classes to improve your musicianship, band rehearsals side-by-side and coaching with the musicians, a one-to-five teacher-camper ratio, and group lessons. Applications are available through May 16. For an application and more information, contact Jim Mazzaferro at [email protected].

Sheldon High School’s TheaterWorks will present their interpretation of the musical “Once on This Island” on April 10-12. The production tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of her island. When Daniel is returned to his people the fantastical gods who rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest to test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of social class, hatred, and death.  Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on all nights with a 2 p.m. matinee on April 12.  General admission is $12, and $8 for children under 10. Sheldon High School is located at 8333 Kingsbridge Drive.

Cosumnes Oaks High School’s The Wolfpack Theatre will present the beloved classic “The Wizard of Oz” April 10-12 and 24-26. Dorothy and her dog Toto get whisked away in a tornado to the magical Land of Oz. To get home, she must see The Great and Powerful Oz and along the way she meets characters on the yellow brick road that help her throughout her journey. The musical features the timeless songs, “Over the Rainbow,” “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” and “Ding, Dong, the Witch is Dead.” Showtimes are at 6 p.m. on April 10 and 24, 7 p.m. on April 11-12, and 25-26 with matinees at 2 p.m. on April 12 and 26. General admission is $12, and $8 for senior citizens and children under 12 and Cosumnes Oaks High School students with a current ASB sticker. Cosumnes Oaks High School is located at 8350 Lotz Parkway.  

will present “The Wiz” on April 25-26.  The popular musical, based on the famous movie of the same name - starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson - features musical favorites, such as “Ease on Down the Road,” and “Home.” Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on both nights.  Tickets are $5 for students, and $7 for adults. Children under age 5 are free. Valley High School is located at 6300 Ehrnhardt Drive in Sacramento. 

The Elk Grove Fine Arts Center presents the following weekly drop-in and private tutoring art classes: Watercolor for Beginners with Teresa Steinbach-Garcia, Instructor–Class Fee: $10, Materials Fee: $15, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. at ((916) 687-8908). Open Watercolor Studio with Teresa Steinbach-Garcia, Instructor – Studio Fee: $10, Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m. –2:30 p.m. (916) 687-8908). Watercolor –Beyond the Basics for Intermediates & Advanced with Sandy Ridley, Instructors – Fee $10, Materials $15, first and second Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (916) 685-1980). Open Studio All Media – Painting with friends, no instructor– $5, Fridays, 12-3 p.m. ((916) 685-5992). Private Art Tutoring- with Stacy Maeda specializing in drawing animals, $25/hour of instruction, Ages 7-adult, [email protected], www.stacymaeda.com. Please contact class instructor for information and reservations.

Call To Local Artists The Elk Grove Fine Arts Center is hosting their 2nd Annual Open Fine Art Competition in the following categories: 1) Water Media; 2) Oil, Acrylic; 3) Pastel or Drawing; 4) Photography; 5) Three-Dimensional including: Wood, Glass, Ceramic, Metal or Mixed Media. Applications are open through May 10 online at www.elkgrovefineartscenter.org, or in person at 9080 Elk Grove Blvd., Wednesday through 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The public is invited to the free reception featuring awards presentations on June 7 from 5-8 p.m. at the Arts Center. The show will continue through June 26.  For more information, call (916) 685-5992 or email [email protected].

Call To Local Artists Elk Grove Artists (EGA) has replaced its high school art contest at the Western Festival with a general community wide art show. EGA sponsors this art competition for all artists over 18 of all skill levels and various categories. It is held during the Western Festival on the first weekend in May; a festival that is attended by thousands from the surrounding areas and allows for maximum exposure for the artists. The juried art show gives monetary prizes as well as ribbons to those who show exceptional art. The indoor Pavilion at Elk Grove Regional Park will be transformed into a gallery with framed artwork hung on professional show panels and sculptures placed on draped tables. To enter the show visit, http://elkgroveartistsca.org/community/index.html to download the application.   

Art For Kids Sofia Khalil teaches children the basic elements of painting and drawing to in her weekly arts classes in Elk Grove. Visit www.KidsArtsMuseum.org for more information. 

The Elk Grove Sports Bar presents Friday Night Comedy hosted by Laurelle Martin each Friday night at 8 p.m. Cover charge is $7. 18 and over. The Sports Bar is located at 9661 Elk Grove-Florin .

View artwork from Elk Grove on www.elkgrovecity.org/arts/art-in-elk-grove.asp The Committee for the Arts has created a virtual Citywide Art Guide for the benefit of the residents and visitors that includes a comprehensive inventory of art pieces and art events in Elk Grove. There is also an interactive map that displays the art and events in Elk Grove. Only Citywide annual art events are included. If you know of a piece or event missing from the guide that should be included, contact Kara Reddig at [email protected] or (916) 478-2249. 

The Elk Grove Sports Bar presents Gary Mendoza’s Blues Jam on Tuesdays. Can you sing or play an instrument? That’s all you need to come on out and groove with Gary and other local musicians on Tuesday night. The free event is open to anyone who wants to get on stage, entertain, and have some fun. Tuesdays from 7-10 p.m. The Sporty is located at 9661 Elk Grove-Florin Road. For more information, call (916) 685-6103. 

Common House Productions presents “something wicked” as they begin their series staged readings with Macbeth on April 11-13. Shakespeare’s tale of otherworldly manipulation invites the audience to witness one man’s descent into ruin. Through a series of self-fulfilling prophecies, incited by his lady and a trio of eerie figures, Lord Macbeth is driven to a blood-soaked ascent to the crown. The public is invited to join at 2327 Loyola Drive in Davis--the birthplace of Common House--and gather around the campfire for the production. You may want to bring a blanket to keep warm.

Lodi’s Art Hop is held on the first Friday of each month. For the list of participating venues and their featured artists, visit http://www.lodiartcenter.org/Art-hop.html.

KVIE Public Television announces the 33rd Annual KVIE Art Auction and is calling for local emerging and established artists to enter their work in the KVIE juried art competition. Entry categories include California’s Gold, Contemporary Classics, Figurative, Photography, Sculpture, and Still Life and Landscapes. Prizes such as $500 for the Best of Show and $100 for first place will be given in each category. Juror’s awards will be given to 16 artists, along with a ribbon, as recognition for excellence in selected categories. Jurors will represent some of the finest artists in our region. Art can be entered through an online submission form April 15-May 30, or in person on May 17 at the station, 2030 W. El Camino Ave. in Sacramento. A complete list of rules and an entry form can be found at kvie.org/artauction. Only one piece per artist will be accepted. If an entry submitted online is not accepted, the artist may submit another piece. The televised auction will be held Sept. 19-21. All artists whose works are selected will receive two tickets to the Art Auction Preview Gala (a $100 value), on Monday, Sept. 15, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., and a complimentary one-year membership to KVIE. All accepted art will be juried into the televised auction and will be displayed at the Preview Gala.

The Sacramento Theatre Company (STC) presents the international hit play, “Visiting Mr. Green” through April and May. An American Drama League Best Play nominee, and winner for Best Play in Greece, France, Turkey, Israel, Mexico, and Uruguay, what starts off as a comedy about two people who resent being in the same room together develops into a moving story about friendship, tolerance, and love.  The universal story has been produced in 37 countries and has been translated into 22 languages. Directed by local favorite Marie Bain, the intimate play runs through May 4 on the Pollock Stage. For this production, STC has partnered with Meals on Wheels by ACC. Adult themes – appropriate age 13 and up.  Tickets: $15-38 (discounts for students, seniors, and groups). For schedules and more information, visit the www.sactheatre.org. To order tickets, call the STC Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office at 916-443-6722 or toll free 888-4-STC-TIX (888-478-2849) or visit the theater at 1419 H. St. in Sacramento.

Alpha Fired Arts will celebrate the rich history of 25 years of clay with the their first “America’s ClayFest Teapot Show” beginning April 18. The competition formerly known as the Feats of Clay held at Gladding McBean Clay Manufacturing Company in Lincoln will be in conjunction with Blue Line Arts’ America’s ClayFest.  In addition, there will be a Gladding McBean Retrospective at the newly opened Art League of Lincoln’s Art Center Gallery, and an International Student Art Show and Competition.  America’s ClayFest has traditionally had entries from all over the United States, Canada, Europe Mexico and Asia. Internationally recognized ceramic sculptor and instructor Tony Natsoulas will be the juror. The reception for the artists will be held on May 3, from 4-7 p.m. The show will run from April 18-May 31, at the Alpha Fired Arts Gallery, located at 4675 Aldona Lane in Sacramento.

Chautauqua Playhouse continues its 37th season with their production of James Goldman’s “The Lion in Winter.” The show is running on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through April 19. As there will be no show on Easter Sunday, there will be an additional matinee on April 19. The performances will be held at the Chautauqua Playhouse, 5325 Engle Road in the La Sierra Community Center in Carmichael.  Admission is $19 general and $17 students, seniors, children and SARTA members. The show does contain adult situations and content.

Capitol Ballet Company with students from Capitol Ballet Center proudly presents “A Classical Ensemble” on May 10, 2 p.m. This seasonal matinee displays the progression of classical ballet training at its finest, showcasing Company dancers as well as students from the Company’s school, Capitol Ballet Center. The performance will feature excerpts from La Bayadere, and Coppelia. Additionally, two premieres from choreographer Bruce King - Pastorale for guitar and Chanson Triste/Sad Song – will be performed. “A Classical Ensemble” will be held at Sheldon High School Performing Arts Center located at 8333 Kingsbridge Drive in Sacramento. Tickets are $10-$16 and may be purchased by visiting www.CapitolBallet.com or at the box office 1 hour prior to event. Capitol Ballet Company is a non-profit organization funded in part by the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission Cultural Arts Awards with support from the City and County of Sacramento.  

The Northern Californian Filmmakers Coalition (NCFC) is based in Sacramento, California and was created to encourage individuals in film-making or film related areas to meet on a regular bases and explore the various aspects of the film industry. Meetings are held each Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. at Access Sacramento 4623 T. St. in Sacramento. For more information, visit t www.ncfc.tv or contact P. La Marr at (916) 502-7068 or [email protected], or G. Bell at (916) 384-5796 or [email protected].

Lee Diamond performs hits from the Rat Pack era, classic pop and soul hits from the 1950s-1960s, and more at the Backdoor Lounge in Old Sacramento most Friday and Saturday nights. The Backdoor Lounge is located at 1112 Firehouse Ally. 

The Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts at University of California, Davis is pleased to announce a new just added performance, Willie Nelson and Family, performing in Jackson Hall on April 9, at 8 p.m. With a six-decade career and 200 plus albums, Willie Nelson is the creative genius behind the historic recordings of Crazy, Red Headed Stranger and Stardust. This iconic Texan has earned every conceivable award as a musician and amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist. In 2013, Willie’s albums included April’s Let’s Face The Music And Dance, an album of deep pop-country repertoire classics performed with transformative patented ease by Nelson and Family, his long-time touring and recording ensemble; and October’s To All The Girls… which features 18 duets with music’s top female singers including Dolly Parton, Mavis Staples, Sheryl Crow, Loretta Lynn, Wynonna Judd, Rosanne Cash, Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Emmylou Harris, Norah Jones and Shelby Lynne. The performance is now on sale. Tickets are available at www.MondaviArts.org, or during regular business hours via phone at 866-754-2787 and in person at the Mondavi Center Ticket Office on the UC Davis campus.

The Lodi Community Art Center’s 54th Annual Spring Art show is scheduled for April 12-13. It will be the largest open juried art show that’s free to the public in Northern California.  There will be seven categories of art with cash awards to artists of more than $5,000, including $1,000 for Best of Show.  The theme for the Preview Night Benefit is “Putin’ on the Ritz for Art”. Participating artists from Elk Grove are Judy Knott, Jolene Matson, Ron Ridley, Sandy Ridley, Scott Shipley, Dee Tschida. Artists from around the state and country are entered in the show and will compete for $5,000.00 in cash awards.  Artist awards will be presented at our April 11 preview Benefit Gala starting at 6 pm. Tickets are $50. .

d’Art Wines will be holding a Zinfandel wine tasting on April 19. Have you ever wondered how winemaking decisions effect the outcome of a wine?  Many decisions go into making good wine. Several Zinfandels from the same vintage and same vineyard  (as well as Zinfandels from other wineries) that were treated differently at harvest will be available for tastes at 12-2 p.m. Taste how decisions like harvest date and yeast choices can affect the outcome of a wine.  In the Barrel Room 13299 N. Curry Ave. in Lodi. Admission is $15 For reservations send an email to: [email protected]

The Sacramento Wild and Scenic Film Festival will celebrate its fifth anniversary at the Crest Theater on April 25.  This annual community event offers an evening of short films addressing environmental issues that affect our region. A catered reception in the Crest lobby offers a chance to meet other non-profit sponsor groups, sample local food, and bid in a silent auction. All proceeds benefit the California Heartland Project. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival was started in 2003 by the watershed advocacy group, the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL). The 4-day event features over 125 award-winning films and welcomes over 80 guest speakers, celebrities, and activists who bring a human face to the environmental movement. SYRCL is now sharing their success with other organizations to bring the festival to over 100 communities nationwide. The Sacramento festival program is specially designed to address issues that are relevant to our local community, and will feature short films that look at themes of water conservation, sustainable development and energy, food and local agriculture, wildlife protection, environmental activism, and outdoor recreation. The Crest Theater is located at 1013 K. St. in Sacramento. For more information, visit .

The Sacramento Choral Festival will be held June 13-15 at the Harris Center for the Performing Arts (formerly known as Three Stages) at Folsom Lake College Billed as the largest choral event in Sacramento history, the Festival will feature more than twenty Sacramento-area choruses, representing many choral styles, including classical, jazz, barbershop, and more. For more information about the Festival and ticket information: www.sacsings.org www.HarrisCenter.net. Phone: (916) 864-3378 Email: [email protected]

Sac Valley Teen Talent Program - A Community for Peace and Gravity Services, in partnership with Swan Paradiso Events, present the Sac Valley Teen Talent Program. Eleven Sacramento area cities (including Elk Grove) and over 300 students will compete against each other in three levels of competition. Winners will be awarded cash and prizes. Sponsorships are still needed from businesses as well as prizes that can be given in grab bags to winners.  For more details, and information on how to register visit, http://www.SacValleyTalent.com.

Luna’s Café offers a variety of poetry, spoken word, and arts and entertainment at 1414 16th St., in Sacramento. For more information, call (916) 441-3931 or visit www.LunasCafe.com.

Elk Grove robotics aficionado Jordin Fong, 16, is making a mark. 

The founder and team captain of the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, “Team X” from the Boys and Girls Club, Teichert Branch Greater Sacramento, has led the team to a variety of accomplishment.

Team X won the Rookie Inspiration Award last season that qualified them to move on to the Qualifying Tournament held last November. 

The team ranked well in the tournament prompting it to move on to the Sacramento Regional Competition held on March 13, where Fong was awarded with the FIRST Dean’s List Award.

The award, given by FIRST Robotics founder Dean Kamen, recognizes Fong’s leadership, contribution to her team, and technical expertise, among other qualities.

It is the highest individual honor that one can receive at the event.

“I was so excited that I cried when they announced it,” Fong said of the award.

An admirer of science and technology, she participated in robotics after attending an open house at school; finding the machinery to be “interesting and cool.”

She joined her school’s robotics team, which her mother, Elena ultimately assisted and coached. 

After Fong attended the FRC World Championships in St. Louis that year, she decided that she wanted to start an all girls robotics team.

It was Kamen’s mentioning of there not being enough young women in the field and Boys & Girls Club president, Jim Clark’s agreement with him at the competition that inspired her idea. 

Elena spoke about her daughter’s enthusiasm upon returning home from the event.

“When her father and I picked her up (Jordin) didn’t even say hi to us,” she said. “The first thing she said was, ‘I want to start a team at the Boys & Girls Club.’ That became her mission.”

Fong noticed that the industries weren’t generally emphasized to youth in inner-city communities.

She also recognized that young women weren’t typically involved in the industries and wanted to find a way to encourage them to be a part of it all.

Fong approached the Boys & Girls Club with the idea to start an all female robotics team shortly before she began her junior year.

The organization was onboard with her idea, and she began volunteering as the captain of Team X – along with her mother Elena as her coach – shortly thereafter. 

“We’re so fortunate and blessed to have the FRC team here,” said Maureen Price, Boys & Girls Club-Sacramento CEO in an online interview. “The girls and the boys look up to them, and want to be them. It’s been a great program for everybody.”

The four-year robotics devotee plans to continue on taking her team to new levels.

“I’m planning to keep on going…to keep helping out and mentoring the girls,” Fong said.

Fong’s latest honor has placed her in the position to represent Northern California individually at the FRC World Championships in St. Louis on April 23-26.

She will be joining other winners in maneuvering the arms, drive trains, minibots, and claws of robots in effort to make them make efficient enough to grab objects and climb towers within seconds.

“I’ll be working with bigger, more challenging robots this time, but it will be a lot of fun,” she said.

Fong’s team also won the chance to compete their robot at the event, yet they are currently on a waiting list to be secured as an official competitor, as they raise funds to participate in the contest.

The Boys & Girls Club team is the only local robotics team that isn’t part of the school system, allowing youth from various cities to join if their school doesn’t offer the activity. 

For more information about joining Team X, visit http://www.bgcsac.org/index.php/robotics.

March was Women’s History Month which makes this a good time to recognize the contributions of women in Elk Grove and our south Sacramento county area.  We have many women who have made and are making contributions that benefit all of us. Women manage businesses, play important roles in our local organizations and education, and many are involved in multiple community groups. We can be very pleased with how many women are making history every day with the work they do to make this such a great place to live.  

But first, let’s take a look at how we came to set aside a time to recognize women in our country. How many of these did you know? 

•The first International Women’s Day was held in 1911.

•Women’s History Day was set for March 8, but in 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed it as a week.  

•Women’s History Month in March was in a law passed by Congress in 1987 and ever since then, it has been a month.  

As we take a look at the role of women in our Elk Grove area, we find that many women have played important and influential roles over the years. Some have been recognized for their contributions, but, many have gone unnoticed. 

Our list of Elk Grove Citizens of the Year has 59 names on it since 1955, and 23 are women. The first one was Edna Sperry in 1962 followed by Jessie Baker, Hilma Colton, and Ida Fleming. In the 1970s, there were three women: Anabel Gage, Bernice Gallup, and Jeannie Womack. The 1980s gave us four Citizens: Margit Kloss, Dorothy Hrepich, Iris Zimbelman, and Elizabeth Pinkerton. 

Since 1990, we have had more women noted as Citizens of the Year: Pat Braziel, Jeanne Strong, Olga Batey, Sophia Scherman, Cathy O’Neil, Frances Fite, Jean Hawkins, Marsha Holmes, Elaine Wright, Lisa Lent, Paula Maita, and Mary Lewis.

Looking at the namesakes of our elementary and middle schools, the ratio of women to men is about the same as Citizens of the Year, about a third. Of the 41 elementary schools, 14 are named for women. They are Irene West and Arlene Hein who continue their support for education and children. The rest are deceased, but we remember them well. Isabelle Jackson and Anna Kirchgater were named in 1957, and Jessie Baker in 1963. More recent schools are Helen Carr Castello, Mary Tsukamoto, Ellen Feickert, Edna Batey, Barbara Comstock Morse, Maeola Beitzel, Elitha Donner, Florence Markofer, and Marion Mix. With the exception of Elitha Donner, all the women were involved with education, and most of them were teachers.

Of the nine middle schools, only three have the names of women: Harriet Eddy, Katherine Albiani, and Elizabeth Pinkerton.  

Our Chamber of Commerce that started in 1945 had its first woman president in 1978 – Arlene Slater, and 10 years later, Linda Christensen. Since 1990, we have had Sophia Scherman, Jean Hawkins, Collene Baker, Elaine Wright, Joyce Terry, Debbie Fakalata, Mona Escudero, Lori Alaniz, Paula Maita, and Nancy Milton.

The role of women today is very different from what it was in past years. Women are very much involved in leadership in business, education, professional groups, and our many local organizations. Our Elk Grove City Council, however, has had only one female council member in the past 14 years, Sophia Scherman. We have not had a female superintendent of schools for Elk Grove Unified, but we have had many women on the Board of Education. Olga Batey was the first one, and she was followed by Marcie Stamm, Kay Albiani, Pamela Irey, and Pollyanna Cooper-LeVangie. Priscilla Cox, Jeanette Amavisca, and Bobbie Singh-Allen are presently on the Board.   

Deborah Travis is the president of Cosumnes Community College and in previous years, we had Merrilee Lewis Engel. Michelle Orrock serves on the Cosumnes Community Services District, and we have the first woman fire chief, Tracey Hanson. Angi Perry is the President/CEO of the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce.

Of the 158 scholarships provided by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, 29 of them are in the names of women although there are others that are included in those that are family scholarships. The list includes Helen Carr Castello, Barbara Grueneberg, Celesta Simas, Helen Roemer, Susan Verne, Erika Wiese, Marion Carlisle, Isabelle Jackson, Elizabeth Jones, Elaine Larsen, Sophia Scherman, Sue Okamoto, Valerie Welch, Judy Luna, Reno Dawson, Virginia Signorotti, Faye Bundesen, Mary Tsukamoto, Deborah Gordon, Blanche Elliott Castello, Merrilee Lewis Engel, Irene Smedberg, Lena Oneto, Doris Fossgreen, Lillian Woodward, Yvette Rowlett, Kay Albiani, Natasha Moore, and Trudy Tallerico.   

I consider these women to be the top women leaders of the past: Harriet Eddy, Isabelle Jackson, Edna Sperry, Mary Tsukamoto, Jessie Baker, and Anabel Gage. Harriet Eddy was Elk Grove’s high school principal in the early 1900s when women rarely had that role. Isabelle Jackson was principal of Florin Elementary School, Edna Sperry was the first woman Citizen of the Year, and Mary Tsukamoto was a local, state and national leader for civil rights. Jessie Baker called statewide attention to the need for educating children with disabilities, and Anabel Gage was the first person to begin collecting and preserving our local history. 

My list of women leaders of the present is much longer than the list from the past, and their names are well known, especially in certain areas. It is likely that I have missed some, so I invite readers to send me their choices to add to the list. 

At the very top I will place Paula Maita, Angi Perry, Mary Lewis, Sophia Scherman, Laura Gill, and Kay Albiani for the multiple roles they have played and continue to play in our local leadership. Here are others that are making history every day: 

Business leaders such as Lisa Brown, Kristi Tocalino Peck, Yolanda Molina, Mona Escudero, Sharon Camarillo, Norma Samra.

Community Supporters: Merrilee Lewis Engel, Marie Jachino, Marielle Tsukamoto, Kirsti Cripe Rauser, Marsha Holmes, Elaine Wright, Olga Batey, Patricia Beal, Nancy Lucia, Tracey Hanson, Lisa Brown, Sue Morse Mikels, Barbara Morse Wackford, Marie Coleman, Kelly Schaefer, Janet Hume, Rebecca Davis, Lisa Brown, Marsha Braaten, Elaine Wright, Nancy Milton, Barbara Feist, Millie Brink, Rita Velasquez, Angela Spease, Theresa Rodriquez, Glenda Simas, Jeri Retzlaff, Betty Hall, and Jean Sadler.  

Artists and Writers: Raina LeGarreta, Laura Bemis, Yvonne Bonacci. Naida West, Nan Mahon, Margaret Van Steyn Duarte, Cheryl Griess, Jackie Lewis, Iris Zimbelman.

History Savers: Ellen Rosa, Barbara Claire, Brookelea Lutton, Jeanette Lawson. 

Education Supporters: Tina Penna, Donna Cherry, Fawzia Keval, Charlotte Phinizy, Sonjhia Lowery, Kathy Hamilton, Therese Schultz, Elizabeth Graswich, Arlene Hein, Kathy Zehnder, and long time principals Cathy Guy, Paula Duncan, Felicia Bessent, LeeAnne Teuber, Mary Beth Kropp,  and Judy Hunt Brown. 

Happy Women’s History to All and let’s keep on celebrating it!

NOTE: Tomorrow is First Saturday at the Elk Grove Historical Society Museum and at the Old Town Fine Arts Center. 

BOOKS BY ELIZABETH PINKERTON

3. We the People, a Story of Internment in America 

All book proceeds go for student scholarships, and I thank the many purchasers who have made the 57 scholarships possible. Make your check payable to Laguna Publishers and send to PO Box 692, Elk Grove, CA 95759.  Books are $20 apiece and California sales tax is included. Add $3 for shipping of one or two books; $5 for 3-6 books, and tell me who you want the books signed to. For more information call me at (916) 685-0606 or email at [email protected]. You can also check my web page at www.elizabethpinkerton.com. 

Raina LeGarreta compiles these listings. If you would like an event or show included, please send details via email to and write “Arts Calendar” in the subject line; include as much information as possible, including dates, times, ticket prices, address and details on purchasing tickets.

The Elk Grove Fine Arts Center will hold its First Saturday Art Reception on April 5, 4-7 p.m. located at 9080 Elk Grove Blvd. The Short Center South, a non-profit fine arts program for adult artists with developmental disabilities, will be featuring their artwork, plus there will be book signing by local authors Nan Mahon and Elaine Faber. The artwork will continue through April 24 at the arts center. During the reception, Community Artists will be showing and selling a variety of art media. Also featured that evening will the ongoing Tile Glazing Fundraiser, where you can glaze a tile for $15 and donate for installation on front entry walls. Enjoy refreshments and live music by Gregg Matson. Free parking lot south side of Elk Grove Boulevard at School Street. The Art Center/Gift Gallery is open Wednesdays through Saturdays 11 a.m.-4 p.m., or by appointment. For more information, call (916) 685-5992, email [email protected] or visit www.elkgrovefineartscenter.org and Facebook: Elk Grove Fine Arts Center. 

Monterey Trail High School’s drama department will present their rendition of “Guys and Dolls” on April 4-5.  Set in a mythical New York City, this oddball romantic comedy soars with the spirit of Broadway as it introduces us to a cast of vivid characters. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on April 4-5. General admission is $10, and $8 for students/senior citizens/children. Monterey Trail High School is located at 8661 Power Inn Road.

Pleasant Grove High School (PGHS) will present Disney Jr.’s “Alice in Wonderland” on April 4-5 and 10-12. Travel down the rabbit hole and join Alice’s madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on all nights with 2 p.m. matinees on April 5 and 12. General admission is  $10, and $8 for PGHS students with an ASB card. PGHS is located at 9531 Bond Road.

students at will present “Noises Off” on April 4-5.  The play presents a manic menagerie, as a cast of itinerant actors rehearses a flop called, “Nothing’s On.” Doors slamming, on and offstage intrigue, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this hilarious and classically comic play. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on all nights. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Florin High School is located at 7956 Cottonwood Lane in Sacramento.

Elk Grove After School Drama presents their spring musical, “Cinder-Ella” on April 4-5. Elegant, erratic and meta-romantic, Mr. Lee’s award-winning original musical from 2001 tells the story of poor Eleanor--a sweet, simple girl enslaved by her cruel Step-Mother and wicked step-sisters—and Prince Johann, a reckless royal with a strange secret who longs for life outside the palace walls.  Slapstick and singing, dancing and screaming, magic, mayhem and mice…with music by Strauss. Performances will be held in Elk Grove High School Little Theater. Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m., and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $6 general and $3 for students, children, seniors, and military.  For more information, contact Mr. or Ms. Lee. At [email protected].

Elk Grove High School drama swill present “Cinder-Ella” on April 4-5.The award-winning original musical written by John Lee tells the story of poor Eleanor, a sweet simple girl enslaved by her cruel stepmother, her wicked stepsisters - and Prince Johann, a reckless royal with a strange secret who longs for life outside the palace walls.  The show features slapstick comedy, singing, dancing and music by Strauss.  Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on all nights with 2 p.m. matinees on April 5. General admission is $8, and $6 for students, seniors and the military. Elk Grove High School is located at 9800 Elk Grove-Florin Road.

Sheldon High School’s TheaterWorks will present their interpretation of the musical “Once on This Island” on April 4-5 and 10-12. The production tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of her island. When Daniel is returned to his people the fantastical gods who rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest to test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of social class, hatred, and death.  Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on all nights with a 2 p.m. matinee on April 12.  General admission is $12, and $8 for children under 10. Sheldon High School is located at 8333 Kingsbridge Drive.

will perform on April 7 at Laguna Town Hall at 7 p.m. Sponsored by the Cosumnes Community Services District (CSD). The band will perform Aaron Copland’s “Quiet City,” a 1939 composition that is an ode to New York City and considered to be Copland’s forgotten score. Also, there will be music by Lerner and Lowe’s Paint Your Wagon, a medley of music from Henry Mancini, and Pineapple Poll, music from the Gilbert and Sullivan-inspired comic ballet. The Laguna Town Hall is located at 3020 Renwick Ave. There is no admission charge but a donation benefiting the Elk Grove Community Band and the CSD, would be gladly accepted.  For additional information please contact the Cosumnes Community Services District at (916) 405-5600 or search the CSD’s website at www.yourcsd.com, Special Events, Calendar of Events.

The Elk Grove Sports Bar welcomes blues band, Dennis Gruenling and The Jewel Tones on April 8, 8 p.m. After receiving his first harmonica as a gift from a family friend, he had heard his first blues record and his life was never the same. Through the years, Gruenling has shared the stage with many top names in the blues & roots world, such as Pinetop Perkins, Snooky Pryor, Homesick James, Nappy Brown, John Mayall, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, Little Sammy Davis, A.C. Reed, Mick Taylor, and Jimmy Dawkins, as well as contemporary blues masters such as Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, Rick Estrin/Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Kim Wilson, Rusty Zinn, Steve Guyger, Greg Piccolo, and Mark Hummel. Currently, Dennis has signed with the VizzTone label group and released his fifth album, “Rockin’ All Day”.  Dennis is now touring in support of his new album. The band’s concert will include The Gary Mendoza Band performing from 7-7:45. The Jewel Tones will perform from 8-10 p.m. The Elk Grove Sports Bar is located at 9661 Elk Grove-Florin Road. For more information, call (916) 685-6103. 21+/$5 cover.

Cosumnes Oaks High School’s The Wolfpack Theatre will present the beloved classic “The Wizard of Oz” April 10-12 and 24-26. Dorothy and her dog Toto get whisked away in a tornado to the magical Land of Oz. To get home, she must see The Great and Powerful Oz and along the way she meets characters on the yellow brick road that help her throughout her journey. The musical features the timeless songs, “Over the Rainbow,” “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” and “Ding, Dong, the Witch is Dead.” Showtimes are at 6 p.m. on April 10 and 24, 7 p.m. on April 11-12, and 25-26 with matinees at 2 p.m. on April 12 and 26. General admission is $12, and $8 for senior citizens and children under 12 and Cosumnes Oaks High School students with a current ASB sticker. Cosumnes Oaks High School is located at 8350 Lotz Parkway.  

will present “The Wiz” on April 25-26.  The popular musical, based on the famous movie of the same name - starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson - features musical favorites, such as “Ease on Down the Road,” and “Home.” Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on both nights.  Tickets are $5 for students, and $7 for adults. Children under age 5 are free. Valley High School is located at 6300 Ehrnhardt Drive in Sacramento. 

The Elk Grove Fine Arts Center presents the following weekly drop-in and private tutoring art classes: Watercolor for Beginners with Teresa Steinbach-Garcia, Instructor–Class Fee: $10, Materials Fee: $15, 9:30 a.m. –12 p.m. at ((916) 687-8908). Open Watercolor Studio with Teresa Steinbach-Garcia, Instructor – Studio Fee: $10, Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m. –2:30 p.m. (916) 687-8908). Watercolor –Beyond the Basics for Intermediates & Advanced with Sandy Ridley, Instructors – Fee $10, Materials $15, first and second Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (916) 685-1980). Open Studio All Media – Painting with friends, no instructor– $5, Fridays, 12-3 p.m. ((916) 685-5992). Private Art Tutoring- with Stacy Maeda specializing in drawing animals, $25/hour of instruction, Ages 7-adult, [email protected], www.stacymaeda.com. Please contact class instructor for information and reservations.

Call To Local Artists The Elk Grove Fine Arts Center is hosting their 2nd Annual Open Fine Art Competition in the following categories: 1) Water Media; 2) Oil, Acrylic; 3) Pastel or Drawing; 4) Photography; 5) Three-Dimensional including: Wood, Glass, Ceramic, Metal or Mixed Media. Applications are open through May 10 online at www.elkgrovefineartscenter.org, or in person at 9080 Elk Grove Blvd., Wednesday through 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The public is invited to the free reception featuring awards presentations on June 7 from 5-8 p.m. at the Arts Center. The show will continue through June 26.  For more information, call (916) 685-5992 or email [email protected].

Call To Local Artists Elk Grove Artists (EGA) has replaced its high school art contest at the Western Festival with a general community wide art show. EGA sponsors this art competition for all artists over 18 of all skill levels and various categories. It is held during the Western Festival on the first weekend in May; a festival that is attended by thousands from the surrounding areas and allows for maximum exposure for the artists. The juried art show gives monetary prizes as well as ribbons to those who show exceptional art. The indoor Pavilion at Elk Grove Regional Park will be transformed into a gallery with framed artwork hung on professional show panels and sculptures placed on draped tables. To enter the show visit, http://elkgroveartistsca.org/community/index.html to download the application.   

Art For Kids Sofia Khalil teaches children the basic elements of painting and drawing to in her weekly arts classes in Elk Grove. Visit www.KidsArtsMuseum.org for more information. 

The Elk Grove Sports Bar presents Friday Night Comedy hosted by Laurelle Martin each Friday night at 8 p.m. Cover charge is $7. 18 and over. The Sports Bar is located at 9661 Elk Grove-Florin .

View artwork from Elk Grove on www.elkgrovecity.org/arts/art-in-elk-grove.asp The Committee for the Arts has created a virtual Citywide Art Guide for the benefit of the residents and visitors that includes a comprehensive inventory of art pieces and art events in Elk Grove. There is also an interactive map that displays the art and events in Elk Grove. Only Citywide annual art events are included. If you know of a piece or event missing from the guide that should be included, contact Kara Reddig at [email protected] or (916) 478-2249. 

The Elk Grove Sports Bar presents Gary Mendoza’s Blues Jam on Tuesdays. Can you sing or play an instrument? That’s all you need to come on out and groove with Gary and other local musicians on Tuesday night. The free event is open to anyone who wants to get on stage, entertain, and have some fun. Tuesdays from 7-10 p.m. The Sporty is located at 9661 Elk Grove-Florin Road. For more information, call (916) 685-6103. 

Common House Productions presents “something wicked” as they begin their series staged readings with Macbeth on April 11-13. Shakespeare’s tale of otherworldly manipulation invites the audience to witness one man’s descent into ruin. Through a series of self-fulfilling prophecies, incited by his lady and a trio of eerie figures, Lord Macbeth is driven to a blood-soaked ascent to the crown. The public is invited to join at 2327 Loyola Drive in Davis--the birthplace of Common House--and gather around the campfire for the production. You may want to bring a blanket to keep warm.

Lodi’s Art Hop is held on the first Friday of each month. For the list of participating venues and their featured artists, visit http://www.lodiartcenter.org/Art-hop.html.

KVIE Calls Artists for Juried Competition KVIE Public Television announces the 33rd Annual KVIE Art Auction and is calling for local emerging and established artists to enter their work in the KVIE juried art competition. Entry categories include California’s Gold, Contemporary Classics, Figurative, Photography, Sculpture, and Still Life and Landscapes. Prizes such as $500 for the Best of Show and $100 for first place will be given in each category. Juror’s awards will be given to 16 artists, along with a ribbon, as recognition for excellence in selected categories. Jurors will represent some of the finest artists in our region. Art can be entered through an online submission form April 15-May 30, or in person on May 17 at the station, 2030 W. El Camino Ave. in Sacramento. A complete list of rules and an entry form can be found at kvie.org/artauction. Only one piece per artist will be accepted. If an entry submitted online is not accepted, the artist may submit another piece. The televised auction will be held Sept. 19-21. All artists whose works are selected will receive two tickets to the Art Auction Preview Gala (a $100 value), on Monday, Sept. 15, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., and a complimentary one-year membership to KVIE. All accepted art will be juried into the televised auction and will be displayed at the Preview Gala.

The Sacramento Theatre Company (STC) presents the international hit play, “Visiting Mr. Green” through April and May. An American Drama League Best Play nominee, and winner for Best Play in Greece, France, Turkey, Israel, Mexico, and Uruguay, what starts off as a comedy about two people who resent being in the same room together develops into a moving story about friendship, tolerance, and love.  The universal story has been produced in 37 countries and has been translated into 22 languages. Directed by local favorite Marie Bain, the intimate play runs through May 4 on the Pollock Stage. For this production, STC has partnered with Meals on Wheels by ACC. Adult themes – appropriate age 13 and up.  Tickets: $15-38 (discounts for students, seniors, and groups). For schedules and more information, visit the www.sactheatre.org. To order tickets, call the STC Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office at 916-443-6722 or toll free 888-4-STC-TIX (888-478-2849) or visit the theater at 1419 H. St. in Sacramento.

William J. Geery Theater presents “Immigrants,” Carmichael playwright Alan Truax’s new drama about two families and their struggles to live the American Dream in April. The inaugural presentation of Sacramento-based Genesis Productions play tells the century-spanning story of the Scoletti and Mendoza families, who emigrate from Italy and Mexico, respectively, for a better life in the California wine country. Though they share the same home, and toil in the same vineyard, their tales take place a century apart. Evening performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. on April 4-5. A matinee is set for 2 p.m. April 6. For tickets, priced at $20, visit, http://immigrants.brownpapertickets.com. For more information about “Immigrants,” contact Alan Truax at [email protected], or call 916-521-9959. Geery Theater is located at 2130 L St. in Sacramento. 

Sacramento Garden & Art Center presents the Capital City African Violet Society Show and Sale, “African Violets are Golden” on April 5 and 6. Over 1000 plants, decorative pots, and various potting supplies for purchase will be featured. There will be a potting station to pot your purchased plants in, and local African violet growers will answer any questions attendees may have. African violets will on display. The event will be held on April 5 from 1-4 p.m., and on April 6 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The center is located at 3330 McKinley Blvd. in Sacramento.

Alpha Fired Arts will celebrate the rich history of 25 years of clay with the their first “America’s ClayFest Teapot Show” beginning April 18. The competition formerly known as the Feats of Clay held at Gladding McBean Clay Manufacturing Company in Lincoln will be in conjunction with Blue Line Arts’ America’s ClayFest.  In addition, there will be a Gladding McBean Retrospective at the newly opened Art League of Lincoln’s Art Center Gallery, and an International Student Art Show and Competition.  America’s ClayFest has traditionally had entries from all over the United States, Canada, Europe Mexico and Asia. Internationally recognized ceramic sculptor and instructor Tony Natsoulas will be the juror. The reception for the artists will be held on May 3, from 4-7 p.m. The show will run from April 18-May 31, at the Alpha Fired Arts Gallery, located at 4675 Aldona Lane in Sacramento.

Alpha Fired Arts in partnership with Art League of Lincoln and Blue Line Gallery presents “America’s ClayFest Teapot Show,” April 18-May 31. The show will be celebrating the rich history of 25 years of clay competition formerly known as the Feats of Clay that was held at Gladding McBean Clay Manufacturing Company in Lincoln. This year Alpha Fired Arts Gallery’s Teapot show will be in conjunction with Blue Line Arts’ America’s ClayFest.  In addition there will be a Gladding McBean Retrospective at the newly opened Art League of Lincoln’s Art Center Gallery, and an International Student Art Show and Competition.  America’s ClayFest has traditionally had entries from all over the United States, Canada, Europe Mexico and Asia. The reception for the artists is May 3, from 4-7 p.m. The Alpha Fired Arts Gallery is located at 4675 Aldona Lane in Sacramento. Visit for more information.

Chautauqua Playhouse continues its 37th season with their production of James Goldman’s “The Lion in Winter.” The show is running on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through April 19. As there will be no show on Easter Sunday, there will be an additional matinee on April 19. The performances will be held at the Chautauqua Playhouse, 5325 Engle Road in the La Sierra Community Center in Carmichael.  Admission is $19 general and $17 students, seniors, children and SARTA members. The show does contain adult situations and content.

Capitol Ballet Company with students from Capitol Ballet Center proudly presents “A Classical Ensemble” on May 10, 2 p.m. This seasonal matinee displays the progression of classical ballet training at its finest, showcasing Company dancers as well as students from the Company’s school, Capitol Ballet Center. The performance will feature excerpts from La Bayadere, and Coppelia. Additionally, two premieres from choreographer Bruce King - Pastorale for guitar and Chanson Triste/Sad Song – will be performed. “A Classical Ensemble” will be held at Sheldon High School Performing Arts Center located at 8333 Kingsbridge Drive in Sacramento. Tickets are $10-$16 and may be purchased by visiting www.CapitolBallet.com or at the box office 1 hour prior to event. Capitol Ballet Company is a non-profit organization funded in part by the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission Cultural Arts Awards with support from the City and County of Sacramento.  

The Northern Californian Filmmakers Coalition (NCFC) is based in Sacramento, California and was created to encourage individuals in film-making or film related areas to meet on a regular bases and explore the various aspects of the film industry. Meetings are held each Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. at Access Sacramento 4623 T. St. in Sacramento. For more information, visit t www.ncfc.tv or contact P. La Marr at (916) 502-7068 or [email protected], or G. Bell at (916) 384-5796 or [email protected].

Lee Diamond performs hits from the Rat Pack era, classic pop and soul hits from the 1950s-1960s, and more at the Backdoor Lounge in Old Sacramento most Friday and Saturday nights. The Backdoor Lounge is located at 1112 Firehouse Ally. 

The Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts at University of California, Davis is pleased to announce a new just added performance, Willie Nelson and Family, performing in Jackson Hall on April 9, at 8 p.m. With a six-decade career and 200 plus albums, Willie Nelson is the creative genius behind the historic recordings of Crazy, Red Headed Stranger and Stardust. This iconic Texan has earned every conceivable award as a musician and amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist. In 2013, Willie’s albums included April’s Let’s Face The Music And Dance, an album of deep pop-country repertoire classics performed with transformative patented ease by Nelson and Family, his long-time touring and recording ensemble; and October’s To All The Girls… which features 18 duets with music’s top female singers including Dolly Parton, Mavis Staples, Sheryl Crow, Loretta Lynn, Wynonna Judd, Rosanne Cash, Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Emmylou Harris, Norah Jones and Shelby Lynne. The performance is now on sale. Tickets are available at www.MondaviArts.org, or during regular business hours via phone at 866-754-2787 and in person at the Mondavi Center Ticket Office on the UC Davis campus.

The Lodi Community Art Center’s 54th Annual Spring Art show is scheduled for April 12-13. It will be the largest open juried art show that’s free to the public in Northern California.  There will be seven categories of art with cash awards to artists of more than $5,000, including $1,000 for Best of Show.  The theme for the Preview Night Benefit is “Putin’ on the Ritz for Art”. Participating artists from Elk Grove are Judy Knott, Jolene Matson, Ron Ridley, Sandy Ridley, Scott Shipley, Dee Tschida. Artists from around the state and country are entered in the show and will compete for $5,000.00 in cash awards.  Artist awards will be presented at our April 11 preview Benefit Gala starting at 6 pm. Tickets are $50. www.lodiartcenter.org.

The Sacramento Wild and Scenic Film Festival will celebrate its fifth anniversary at the Crest Theater on April 25.  This annual community event offers an evening of short films addressing environmental issues that affect our region. A catered reception in the Crest lobby offers a chance to meet other non-profit sponsor groups, sample local food, and bid in a silent auction. All proceeds benefit the California Heartland Project. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival was started in 2003 by the watershed advocacy group, the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL). The 4-day event features over 125 award-winning films and welcomes over 80 guest speakers, celebrities, and activists who bring a human face to the environmental movement. SYRCL is now sharing their success with other organizations to bring the festival to over 100 communities nationwide. The Sacramento festival program is specially designed to address issues that are relevant to our local community, and will feature short films that look at themes of water conservation, sustainable development and energy, food and local agriculture, wildlife protection, environmental activism, and outdoor recreation. The Crest Theater is located at 1013 K. St. in Sacramento. For more information, visit www.ecosacramento.net.

Sac Valley Teen Talent Program - A Community for Peace and Gravity Services, in partnership with Swan Paradiso Events, present the Sac Valley Teen Talent Program. Eleven Sacramento area cities (including Elk Grove) and over 300 students will compete against each other in three levels of competition. Winners will be awarded cash and prizes. Sponsorships are still needed from businesses as well as prizes that can be given in grab bags to winners.  For more details, and information on how to register visit, http://www.SacValleyTalent.com.

Luna’s Café offers a variety of poetry, spoken word, and arts and entertainment at 1414 16th St., in Sacramento. For more information, call (916) 441-3931 or visit www.LunasCafe.com.

Courageous Connections hosts event to inspire youth on April 11

Courageous Connections will host an event to encourage youth to beat the odds on April 11 at Monterey Trail High School.

The seminar will include noted guest speakers who have been touched by homelessness, mental addiction, physical abuse, and more.

Taylor, who overcame abuse in his younger years, will shed light on how abuse victims can become future leaders and influencers.

Guest speakers include: Carissa Phelps (author and sex trafficking survivor), Eric “King Cre8” Walker (renowned graffiti artist and performer), Ruthie Bolton (Olympic Gold Medal Winner and Women’s National Basketball Association star), and Randale Conner (former foster youth).

Tickets for the event are $10 each, and attendees ages 21 and under are free.

To purchase tickets, visit www.beatingtheodds.eventbrite.com

Courageous Connection is a non-profit organization located in Elk Grove aiming to improve the lives of current and emancipated foster youth. 

Teen Idol semifinals set for April 4 

Local singer-performers have joined auditions in front of several judges through the month of March, and 20 performers have been selected to move forward in the competition.

Finalists will be chosen to perform at the contest finals on April 11, where cash prizes will be given for the top three performances. 

The 20 semi-finalists are: Leslie Avalos, Frankie Ball, Samantha Ball, Veronica Ballejos, Ellie Brewer, Grace Bunting, Julian Carli, Angelica Rae Cruz, Theodore Fong and Band, Sam Fuchs, Grace and Zoe Giammona, Robert and Martin Gonzalez, Mariah Hernandez, Cheyenne Lowden, Maddie Mikulin, Gabrielle Norrise, Scotty Parsons, Lorena Villegas, Courtney Warren, and Shae White.

Admission is $5, and children age 5 and under are free.

As the search continues for the avalanche victims in Oso, WA, and for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, I can’t help but wonder who would search for me if I was lost. 

Would National Guard helicopters search from the air while canines tracked my scent on the ground? Would churches pray for me while mystics recounted dreams about me?

We make heroic efforts to recover the physically lost, but are we equally valiant in retrieving those who are spiritually lost?

The question calls to mind a patient I’ll call “Rachael.”

I met her last year in the dayroom of our psych ward, where she was hiding her ashen face behind her long and uncombed black hair. Her wiry frame stretched across a coffee table as she mindlessly worked a jigsaw puzzle. A cursive tattoo across her right forearm spelled the name of her firstborn. 

Brian, the charge nurse, had called me because officers had scooped Rachael off a bridge. She had come into our ER reciting a profane litany of reasons why she should be allowed to die at the age of 22.  

“Hello. I’m Norris,” I said.

“What?” she asked, as if startled by a disembodied voice. I offered a few matching jigsaw pieces, repeated my name and told her I was available if she needed to talk. 

She said she didn’t.

Over the next few days, she adjusted to her medications and began to smile with cajoling staff. Soon, she invited me to sit with her each afternoon until her parents arrived for family therapy. 

Rachael’s family brought courageous faith and generous means. Her father was a retired military officer, and her mother was a mental health worker. These resources streamlined a quick discharge, and the family was optimistic. 

In fact, Rachael became so optimistic that she decided to live without medications. When that didn’t work, she tried dying with her medication stockpile. 

She was readmitted to our hospital, and her medications were readjusted. Her family felt reaffirmed in her immediate turnaround, and the doctors discharged her again, noting the family’s buoyant outlook.

Nine months ago, I found a despondent Rachael in our Labor and Delivery unit. Social workers placed her newborn into emergency foster care, and our psychiatrist admitted Rachael for the third time. 

After a week’s stay and rebalancing of her medications, doctors again sent Rachael home with family. 

If you’re looking for a happy-ever-after ending, you’ll rarely find it in the lost world of mental health. Rachael’s case is about as happy as it gets because her family loves her enough to reclaim her from the avalanche of mental illness. 

Jesus suggested he knew something of that kind of loving search when he asked his listeners: 

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the 99 …and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully…calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ ”

I think Jesus was saying that we devalue our society when we discard any of our members. Maybe that’s why some of Jesus’ last words on Earth were to his disciple Peter; he commanded him to “Feed my sheep.”

Rachael was one of those lost sheep, but because of the loving shepherds managing her care, she’s on her way back to the flock. She’s even studying to become a veterinary assistant; where I hope to see her caring for some sheep of her own.

Norris Burkes is a syndicated columnist, national speaker and author of No Small Miracles. He is an Air National Guard chaplain and a board-certified hospital chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains. Recorded comments are welcome at (843) 608-9715. You may also send your comments to [email protected] or P.O. Box 247, Elk Grove, CA 95759. Please visit his website thechaplain.net.