The heat is quickly fading, and the new school year is on the horizon. Enjoy your last few weeks of summer by taking advantage of all the fun events!

Congratulations to Folsom resident Alexis Yates, who went to the National Finals of the Junior Olympic Skills Competition in July at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista! In her age group, Yates scored in the top three nation-wide in preliminary competitions and took home two silver medals.

A new teahouse has opened up at 727 Sutter Street in Historic Folsom! Karma Café opened its doors to the public in July.

Also new at 611 Sutter Street is Sunshine Clothing Company, where you can buy, sell and trade gently used clothing.

Help beat breast cancer with a $35 massage at Massage Envy on September 15. Proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Visit massageenvy.com for more information.

Head to Grocery Outlet in Folsom on September 12 for wine tasting and food to celebrate their one-year anniversary.

New at 49 Natoma Street in Folsom is the yummy Acorn Cafe, featuring daily lunch specials and fresh cuisine that fills the tummy!

Sierra Adoption Services, which operates in 12 counties in Northern California, has acquired Wonder, Inc., a local nonprofit with a similar aim, and changed its name to Sierra Forever Families. Visit their new Web site at sierraff.org.

Donate blankets to keep local homeless cats and dogs warm. The Blanket Drive will be held on Sunday, October 11 at the Folsom Zoo from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call Rebecca Bauer at 916-939-4365.

Stop by Gallery at 48 Natoma for its new exhibit, “The World Around Us.” From September 18 to November 5, the gallery will showcase international works in watercolor, photography, and video by Kandi Thompson, Diane Johnson and Cameron Karsten.

It’s Just Your Style will host a “Just Jewels” Accessories Fall Preview and Garden Party on September 17 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the Folsom Community Center, featuring shopping, wine tasting, desserts, raffles, music and more.

Beginning this fall the City of Folsom will begin park improvements for Nisenan and Willow Reservoir Community Parks, and will also construct a “Play for All” universally-accessible play area at the City Lions Park.

Fall may be around the corner, but it’s never too late to enjoy Bistro 33’s Summer Dance Party. Come to the Steve Young Amphitheater at the El Dorado Hills Town Center on September 19. Doors open at 7 p.m. and admission is $15.

Spend a relaxing Labor Day fishing with family and friends! On September 7, you can fish without a sport-fishing license in California. Visit dfg.ca.gov/licensing to learn more.

Be sure to check back next month for the 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards!

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