There's a special way to honor veterans and Japanese American citizens who missed graduating from their home town high school due to wartime circumstances. Through its Operation Recognition program, the Sacramento County Board of Education will provide high school diplomas to qualifying veterans (proof of honorable discharge required) who left high school to serve in World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War. Also eligible for belated diplomas are those Japanese American citizens who were forced to leave their local high school due to incarceration in a WW II relocation center. Diplomas are awarded even if the honoree earned a G.E.D. or went on to college without having received h

The 4th Annual South Area Neighborhood Ice Cream Social is set for Tuesday, August 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at 5625-24th Street in Sacramento (the corner lawn of 24th Street and Fruitridge Road, midway between I-5 and Hwy. 99). Bethany Presbyterian Church is again serving as the host location for this event, which last year attracted more than 100 members of the community. The event will feature old-fashioned hand-cranked ice cream makers, unlimited ice cream and toppings, cookies and goodies, live banjo band music and children’s activities. There is no cost to attend. Information and useful resources to help families make the back-to-school transition for their students will also be ava

Sacramento families can jump-start their children's summer fun at the neighborhood Kids' Safety Fair taking place Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event will be held on the lawn of Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5625 24th Street in Sacramento (corner of Fruitridge Road and 24th Street). Among the free activities offered are a bounce-house, face-painting, crafts, music and helpful information from local family and safety resources. A free hotdog lunch will be served. A map and directions, plus a downloadable print-friendly flyer, are available. The safety fair is presented as a community service of Bethany Presbyterian Church volunteers. Bethany Presbyterian Church is th

Children in grades 4-6 are invited to participate in a new 10-week community-wide music program.  Under the leadership of educator and choral Dr. May Tuan Tucker, this new youth choir will rehearse Mondays and Thursdays, 5:45-6:30 p.m., at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5625-24th Street, in Sacramento (off Fruitridge Road between I-5 and Highway 99). Rehearsals start Monday, March 14, 2011. There will be no rehearsals the week of April 18, when most local schools are on spring break. To sign up or ask questions, parents may contact May Tucker by e-mail or telephone (916-428-5281), or simply show up at rehearsals. The first rehearsal will be Monday, March 14 at 5:45 p.m. Rehearsals will le

Singers and audience members are invited to a free "Sing-Along Messiah" concert Sunday, December 12, starting 4 p.m. at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5625-24th Street, Sacramento (off Fruitridge Road between Freeport Boulevard and Highway 99).  Choral conductors from area churches and schools will take turns leading the massed volunteer choir, which is expected to consist of more than 100 singers. Participants are encouraged to bring their own Messiah music scores; a limited quantity of Messiah scores will be available for purchase ($10) at the door. "To make this truly a participatory event, we are not going to have professional soloists," says Dr. May Tucker, Bethany Presbyterian Church