Firstly a congrats goes to Folsom resident and owner of Sea Escape TRAVEL, Matt Knowles, who was awarded “2009 North American Kiwi Specialist of the Year” from Tourism New Zealand. Knowles was the only specialist chosen from all agencies in the United States and Canada.

Folsom Lake College now offers two new fitness career programs for aspiring personal trainers and group fitness instructors. For more information visit flc.losrios.edu.

For October, the American River Conservancy has a lineup of events ranging from star observing to basket making, fly-fishing to hiking. For dates and times, call 530-621-1224.

Here’s your chance to meet the seven candidates running for El Dorado County Sheriff at the El Dorado Community Connections event on October 19, at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in El Dorado Hills. Registration begins at 7 a.m. For more information, visit eldoradohillschamber.com.

The Dreher Family, owners of Folsom Lake Bowl Sports Bar & Casino since 1979, celebrated 30 years in business this past September, congratulations! Check out their specials and events at folsomlakebowl.com.

Founded this year, the Equine Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization raising awareness and rehabilitating rescued horses. Since the economic decline, more horses are left neglected, abused and set for the slaughter or auction. To find out more about how you can help, visit allaboutequine.org.

A new Web site called teenzhub.com is in the works, just for teens in the El Dorado region. The site will give local teens access to various resources such as job posts, activities, teen news, and more. For more information call the Vision Coalition of El Dorado Hills at 916-941-8482.

Congratulations to Lisa Woodard-Mink who has been selected as the Mercy Foundation’s Chief Philanthropy Officer for Mercy Folsom Hospital! She brings more than 10 years of experience with her, and will be responsible for planning all philanthropic events at Mercy Hospital.

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters for their “Big” Autumn Auction at Blue Shield of California in El Dorado Hills. Enjoy dinner, dessert and wine, and bid on artwork, gifts and more. Proceeds will benefit local at-risk youth. For more information, visit mentors4youth.org.

Take note, Massage Envy at Broadstone is now Massage Envy SPA, and has added facials using Murad products to their member’s benefit list. For more information, call 916-357-5000.

Head to the Folsom Community Center on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Fall Crafts and Bake Sale benefiting the Folsom Women’s Service Club Scholarship Fund for seniors at Folsom high schools. Email [email protected] for more information.

That’s all for now, but check back next month for our annual Thanksgiving feature issue!

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