Carl Kowall—known to be one of the first eight residents of El Dorado Hills, has published a new book, The Story of El Dorado Hills, where he shares the vision for building a community that’s now home to over 50,000 people. The book also tells about Kowall’s journey through the growth of the town and how sometimes the best way to let a vision come to life is to let go and let others carry it forward. This heartfelt chronicle can be purchased at the El Dorado County Historical Museum.

Marshall Medical Center is looking for volunteers. Choose from three different programs (auxiliary, adult, and junior) and learn new skills that will help you in your own life or career as you form friendships with other volunteers, staff, and community members. For more info, visit marshallmedical.org/volunteer.aspx.

El Dorado Union High School District recently announced the retirement of Superintendent Stephen Wehr, marking the end of a 35-year career in education, including nine years as the principal of Oak Ridge High School, one-and-a-half years as the assistant superintendent of human resources, and three-and-a-half years leading El Dorado Union High School District as superintendent. The school board will immediately begin the process for filling the position, which ends June 30.

Applications are currently available for Women’s Fund El Dorado’s Wickline Scholarship, which was established to assist women over the age of 25 overcome personal difficulties by pursuing a post-secondary education. Applications must be returned before 5 p.m. on March 9. For more info, visit womensfundeldorado.org.

Imagination Theater is holding auditions for Tom Sawyer from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 3 at 100 Placerville Drive. Bring a headshot with a résumé, dress for easy movement, and be prepared to cold read individually and with pairs/groups. For more info, visit imaginationtheater.net/tom-sawyer--auditions.

Travel with All West Tours on one of El Dorado Community Services’ Senior Trips, including a “Springtime in Yosemite” journey on March 20-22. Price is inclusive of transportation, accommodations, daily breakfast and lunch, tours, luggage handling, and more. For more info and to register for this trip and others, call Star Walker at 530-621-6255.

Placerville Kiwanis Club members delivered cheer to more than 50 families in need throughout the community this past holiday season. Using donations from the Placer Food Bank and Boa Vista Orchards, Kiwanians gathered food and supplies at Green Valley Community Church and organized boxes into trucks for deliveries. For more info about the club and ways to get involved, call Peter Wolfe at 530-306-1205.

The El Dorado Hills Endowment distributed $33,000 to 10 deserving nonprofits—including Oak Ridge High School Sports Boosters, El Dorado County Office of Education, Hand4Hope, and Canine Companions for Independence—at their annual Grants Gala on January 24.

Celebrate Sacramento Museum Day on February 3, where 26 local museums will open their doors to offer free or half-priced admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., including the Sacramento Zoo and the California State Railroad Museum. For more info, visit sacmuseums.org/news-events/museum-day.   

By Ashleigh Gruenwald