Placer SPCA is seeking volunteers who are willing to open their hearts and homes to young kittens and puppies, as well as adult cats and dogs in need through fostering. Those interested in helping are invited to visit placerspca.org/volunteer-home/volunteer and register for an upcoming orientation.

Congrats to Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park (parks.ca.gov/?page_id=501) for being recognized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) as an IEEE Milestones location. Chosen for their significant technical achievements and regional impact, the historical site joins more than 160 IEEE Milestones around the world. California State Parks received the award at a dedication ceremony last month.

Hands4Hope Youth Board—a group of determined leaders from seven local high schools in El Dorado and Sacramento Counties—organized Miles4Smiles, a virtual walk, run, and/or hike fundraiser whose goal was to bring awareness to domestic violence and raise funds to help those affected by it. In total, the group raised $1,877 for The Center for Violence-Free Relationships’ Second-Generation Program and the Hands4Hope Education Program.

According to a recently released article by U.S. News & World Report, Placer County ranks 35th (the highest in California) and El Dorado County 284th on a list of the “500 Healthiest Communities” nationwide. The rankings were based on factors like public health, equity, education, and infrastructure.

Celebrate local wine, food, and agriculture at Grape Days of Summer on August 7-8 from noon to 5 p.m. The self-guided tour of the Placer Wine Trail includes small bites of food, wine tasting, and educational experiences. For tickets, more info, and a list of participating wineries, visit placerwine.com/plan-your-visit/events.

Spend the night under the stars at Fairytale Town on August 6! Admission to Family Campout includes exclusive play time inside the park, arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, bedtime stories, and a light continental breakfast. Visit fairytaletown.org/calendar for more info and to register.

Movement, graceful flowing forms, and twirling dancer’s bodies are filling the Gallery at 48 Natoma (facebook.com/galleryat48natoma) in their current exhibit, Body of Art, featuring photography by Tony Nguyen and metal shadow sculptures by Myra Cooper Holmes. In the adjacent Community Gallery, artwork from the faculty art instructors at Folsom Art Center are also on display. Open to the public with free admission, hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Enjoy a warm evening in the Keyaki Garden at Wakamatsu Farm (arconservancy.org/wakamatsu) and listen to classic rock, blues, jazz, and country tunes by Still Rock’n & Friends at Endless Summer Nights on August 21. Cost includes the concert and a complimentary glass of wine; proceeds support the American River Conservancy. Visit app.donorview.com/8W01L for more info.

Seven Carson Road wineries—including Crystal Basin Cellars, diVittorio Winery, and Fenton Herriott Vineyards—are hosting Veraison Occasion on August 14-15. From 11 a.m.-5 p.m. both days, attendees will enjoy 20-30 minute “wine talks” hosted by owners and winemakers about topics like the effects of sugar in wine, the world of port, and vineyard canopy management, in addition to tastings and small bites. For tickets and more info, visit carsonroadwineries.com.

Don’t miss Another World: The Transcendental Painting Group—an exhibit devoted to an often-overlooked group of 20th century abstract artists who pursued enlightenment and spiritual illumination—at the Crocker Art Museum (crockerart.org). This survey of 85 works made by 11 visionary abstractionists is drawn from a variety of private and public collections
including the Crocker’s and opens August 28.

On August 6-7, Big Brothers Big Sisters is hosting Over the Edge—a unique event that challenges 76 participants to raise $1,000 in order to rappel 16 stories down one of Downtown Sacramento’s highest buildings: Residence Inn. Proceeds will benefit BBBS Greater Sacramento and Northern Sierra’s mentorship programs for youth across the region. For more info and to register as a participant, visit fundrazr.com/bbbsovertheedge.