Eagle Scout Project Honors Legendary Tuskegee Airmen in Veteran’s Park

Posted on September 10, 2024September 10, 2024 by Elena Burge

Gregory Rubio of Boy Scout Troop 281 poses with members of the Tuskegee Airmen Heritage Chapter of Greater Sacramento in front of the newly unveiled memorial signs. Photo: CRPD

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA – On Saturday, September 7, community members gathered to celebrate the unveiling of a set of informational signs memorializing the legendary Tuskegee Airmen installed by Boy Scout Gregory Rubio from Troop 281 in Cordova Recreation & Park District’s (CRPD) Veteran’s Park. The ceremony garnered over 200 attendees between Facebook Live viewers and community members at the event, including members of the Tuskegee Airmen Heritage Chapter of Greater Sacramento, CRPD Staff and community members.

A line-up of speakers shared remarks about the historical significance of the project, including Gregory and several members of the Tuskegee Airmen Heritage Chapter of Greater Sacramento. “[The Tuskegee Airmen] fought a war, but they fought an even bigger war for rights – the right to vote, the right to go to school. Some of these men could have been shot if they went off their base,” said Howard Williams, the President of the Tuskegee Airmen Heritage Chapter of Greater Sacramento. “By doing this [project], you are doing an honor to the men who served many years ago under not only unfavorable conditions, but harmful conditions. Some of these men and their families, you don’t read about them now, they don’t teach about them in schools.”

In June 2023, Gregory approached CRPD with an idea for his Eagle Scout project. Gregory proposed creating a memorial to honor the Tuskegee Airmen, the legendary group of Black Air Force pilots who served in Europe during World War II. Gregory’s vision centered on the creation of memorial signs that would share the remarkable story of the Tuskegee Airmen, with special focus on their connection to the local community. Veteran’s Park, located near Mather Air Force Base, where a squadron of the Tuskegee Airmen were stationed, was the perfect site for this tribute.

After Gregory’s initial outreach to CRPD, a partnership quickly developed. CRPD worked alongside him to guide the project through the approval process, helping him refine his proposal, set expectations for the monument’s design and determine the ideal location for the memorial signs within Veteran’s Park. As the project took shape in early 2024, Gregory dove into research on the Tuskegee Airmen. He collaborated with the Tuskegee Airmen Heritage Chapter of Greater Sacramento to ensure the historical accuracy of the memorial’s content, while CRPD’s communications team worked with him on the visual design of the signs.

The memorial is composed of three panels, each sharing information about the history of the Tuskegee Airmen, their societal impact and their relevance in local history. Photo: CRPD

In May 2024, the signs were ordered, and preparations for installation began. On August 24, Gregory, with members of his troop, family and staff from CRPD, gathered at Veteran’s Park to install the memorial signs. The new memorial stands not only as a testament to the Tuskegee Airmen’s extraordinary service but also as an example of what can be achieved when a young leader and a community come together. Thanks to Gregory’s hard work and collaboration with CRPD, Veteran’s Park now serves as a place of remembrance for the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Gregory poses with his father and troop leader, Phillip Rubio, in front of the memorial signs. Photo: CRPD

Feeling Proud with PRIDE

Posted on June 9, 2022August 7, 2024 by CRPD Communications

Graphic of a PRIDE flag that says Happy Pride, Love has no gender, and All are welcomed and loved"

Picture of a person holding a PRIDE flag

PRIDE month is now celebrated through parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts and other LGBTQ+ Pride Month events. Memorials are also held during this month for members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize and celebrate LGBTQ+ individuals who’ve made an impact locally, nationally and internationally. There are various ways for anyone to celebrate PRIDE month, which may include expanding your media literacy to include LGBTQ+ authors, stories or artists. It not only allows for visibility of the LGBTQ+ community but incorporates the diverse representation that our society holds. Additional ways you can celebrate PRIDE month are by attending Pride events, volunteering at your local LGBTQ+ Center, giving to organizations that amplify LGBTQ+ voices or even getting the conversation started about PRIDE month in a space you feel comfortable. And remember, celebrating PRIDE and the LGBTQ+ community is not just an annual event, it is one that should be celebrated throughout the year. And what better way to do so than by continuing to educate ourselves so that we may become an ally. Inclusivity, diversity and equity means welcoming all, not just some, especially in our parks and community.

Picture of five people celebrating PRIDE Month

Resources:

Art & Literature:

Local PRIDE Month Events:

Sac PRIDE – Sacramento LGBTQ Community Center 6/11 https://saccenter.org/
Watch “Inside the Beauty Bubble” – The California Capital Film Office 6/11 https://www.cityofranchocordova.org/residents/community-topics/celebrating-diversity/pride-month
Celebrate PRIDE with Leo and Friends – Sacramento Children’s Museum 6/25 https://sackids.org/pride/

Rock Your Socks!

Posted on March 23, 2022August 7, 2024 by Shelby Golden

We are rocking our socks for World Down Syndrome Day! This year, we are diving deeper into World Down Syndrome Day by interviewing Brooke Daly, a mom of a child with Down Syndrome and an advocate for children with disabilities. We talk about why March 21st was chosen, the meaning behind Rock Your Socks, challenges, inclusion and resources.

Resources

– Down Syndrome Association of Central California (https://www.dsacc.org/)

– Down Syndrome Association of Delaware (https://www.dsadelaware.org/)

– National Down Syndrome Society (https://www.ndss.org/)

– Global Down Syndrome Foundation (https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/)

Thank you to all of our staff who rocked their socks!

Celebrating Black History Month

Posted on February 16, 2022August 7, 2024 by Shelby Golden

Many influential people have shaped the landscape of our country within the parks and recreation industry. As we celebrate Black History Month, we would like to highlight a few trailblazers that have contributed to parks, recreation and overall building healthy communities!

Dr. Carter G. Woodson

In 1926, D. Carter G. Woodson began a weeklong celebration that has since grown into an entire month dedicated to remembering Black Americans’ achievements, contributions, resilience, and legacies. Learn More.

Betty Reid Soskin

Betty Reid Soskin, who turned 100 on September 22, 2021, is the oldest active ranger in the National Park Service. She has become an icon of the service. She also founded one of the first Black-owned record stores in the California Bay Area in 1945. Learn More.

Chris Silva

Chris Silva became the first Black athlete to earn a spot on the USA Swimming National Team. Silva was also the first Black swimmer to represent the United States in international competition at the 1983 World University Games. Silva became the Director of Minority Programs at the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1990.

Earl Lloyd

On October 31, 1950, 21-year-old Earl Lloyd became the first African American to play in an NBA game in the season opener for the Washington Capitols. In 2003, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

James Holmes

“Carrying the baton of commitment, James Holmes became the first African American National Park ranger when he began his career at Booker T. Washington National Monument in May of 1958. Four years later, over 40 African American seasonal rangers from Historically Black Colleges joined him in fulfilling the mission of the agency.”

– Dr. Turkiya L. Lowe

In 2017, Dr. Turkiya L. Lowe became the first woman and first African American to be the National Park Service’s Chief Historian and Deputy Federal Preservation Officer.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Memories of the Southern Civil Rights Movement at the MACC

January 13 – February 19 · Thursdays – Saturdays · 3 – 8 p.m.

This exhibit honors the history of Black Americans and the events that occurred during the Civil Rights Movement.

Quilt Codes: Fact or Folklore

February 3 – 19 • Thursdays – Saturdays • 3 – 8 p.m.

Learn about the importance and history of quilts in Black American history at this unique exhibition.

CRPD Staff Donates to Unhoused Students

Posted on December 28, 2021August 7, 2024 by Shelby Golden

The Cordova Recreation & Park District’s (District) Community Engagement Program is underway! The Community Engagement Program, spearheaded by District General Manager Patrick Larkin, is a quarterly program that focuses on giving back to the community.

Cordova Recreation & Park District staff and Folsom Cordova Unified School District staff with donations for Homeless Student Services.

During this quarter, the District collaborated with the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) Homeless Student Services. FCUSD Homeless Student Services helps ensure homeless children have an equal opportunity to obtain a high quality education and provides resources to families. Throughout the quarter, District staff and Board of Directors contributed various Target gift cards. On December 17, 2021, District staff presented FCUSD with donations totaling $940 to be used for new shoes and clothing.

“I’m proud of our generous and caring CRPD staff for their continued support for the unhoused students in Rancho Cordova. Many of the CRPD staff are residents of Rancho Cordova so this opportunity to work with FCUSD for the students in need has special meaning,” said Larkin. “We look forward to more opportunities to work in partnership with FCUSD to make the community stronger and to meet the needs of our most vulnerable youth.”

CRPD is proud to collaborate with FCUSD Homeless Student Services to help support local students.

Meet Our Preschool Aide!

Posted on September 20, 2021August 7, 2024 by Shelby Golden

We are thrilled to announce our Cordova STEAM Preschool Aide is Ms. Shayla!

Ms. Shayla recently graduated from Kinney High School and worked at Camp Cordova over this past summer. This fall she is also working in the HYDE Out After-School Teen Program to gain more experience working with children of all ages. Her goal is to become a child and adolescent therapist. She is very excited to begin at Cordova STEAM Preschool this year and create great memories with your preschooler!

To get to know our Cordova STEAM Team a little better, we asked Ms. Shayla a few fun questions!

What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies?

My books are Flawed by Cecilia Ahern and A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler. My movies are Train to Busan and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

What can you cook to perfection?

Something I can cook to perfection is vegan fried chicken.

What is your spirit animal?

My spirit animal is the wolf with instinct, intelligence and awareness of the importance of social connections.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

My mom who has always worked helping others and wanting to make a difference, she inspired me to work with kids and help people any way I can.

What makes a good day at school?

Having respect for the children as they do for you and treating everyone with kindness for a fun and easy going learning environment makes a good day at school.

What is your favorite part about the first day of school?

Meeting everyone, the first impressions, and just all the excitement.

Cordova Recreation & Park District Staff Donates to Unhoused Students

Posted on September 16, 2021August 7, 2024 by Shelby Golden

From the left, Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD) Human Resources Manager Andrea White, CRPD General Manager Patrick Larkin and Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) Education Services Liaison Marjorie Diaz with donations for FCUSD Homeless Student Services.

Our Community Engagement Program is underway! The Community Engagement Program, spearheaded by CRPD General Manager Patrick Larkin, is a quarterly program that focuses on giving back to the community. During this quarter, the District collaborated with the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) Homeless Student Services. FCUSD Homeless Student Services helps ensure homeless children have an equal opportunity to obtain a high quality education and provides resources to families.

“FCUSD works hand-in-hand with state and federal education programs to provide stability, access, and support for academic success for homeless children and youth, including preschool-aged children,” said Director of Categorical Programs & Grants Elena Cabrera. “Our district Homeless Student Services fosters partnerships with local agencies, businesses and non-profits organization in order to connect families to services beyond the classroom. Helping others takes teamwork and collaboration rooted in caring for our most vulnerable students.”

Throughout the quarter, District staff and Board of Directors contributed various Target gift cards to be used for new shoes and clothing for unhoused students.

On August 23, 2021, Larkin and Human Resources Manager Andrea White presented Marjorie Diaz, Education Services Liaison at FCUSD, with donations totaling $1,034 to be used for new shoes and clothing.

“FCUSD is extremely grateful for the generosity of CRPD employees, and the care and concern they have for our students who are homeless and foster youth,” shared Superintendent Dr. Sarah Koligian. “Their donation will provide many basic supplies that will help eliminate barriers to their education.”

CRPD is proud to collaborate with FCUSD Homeless Student Services to help support students as they begin the school year.

Meet Our Preschool Teacher!

Posted on September 14, 2021August 7, 2024 by Shelby Golden

We are excited to announce our Cordova STEAM Preschool Teacher is Ms. Trish!

This will be Ms. Trish’s fifth year here in the CRPD preschool program. Ms. Trish has spent countless hours as a volunteer in the local school district and absolutely loves teaching preschool. It is her goal to find what sparks the interest of each child and to use that interest to build a love of learning that she hopes will serve them throughout their lives.

To get to know our Cordova STEAM Team a little better, we asked Ms. Trish a few fun questions!

What is one of your hidden talents?

I can touch my nose with my tongue, but please don’t ask me to demonstrate.

What song do you know all the lyrics to?

Too many to count, I love music in almost all genres. My preschool favorites are mostly counting songs like five little monkeys or five little ducks.

What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies?

I really like to learn new things, so mostly I read non-fiction. I tend to get carried away after reading true stories and I will find more info online (does this island have wifi?). I have recently been into this book called The Foundling and the documentaries created around the story. It is about a baby found abandoned who is now an adult and solving all these real-life mysteries about himself and his family. I think what really captured my attention is how it is one of those “stranger than fiction” stories with lots of surprises.

What can you cook to perfection?

I get a lot of requests for bacon and cream cheese stuffed mushrooms around the holidays.

What is your spirit animal?

This is a tough one, but I have to say an alligator. They like water, they are a little misunderstood at times and are pretty much the closest things we have to dinosaurs, what’s not to love?

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I have a really big family and have participated in the upbringing of lots of kids. There is something magical about the preschool age range. The first steps into autonomy and navigating peer relationships, finding their first friendships. The eagerness to learn new things and wanting to do things for themselves. The preschool age range is full of big milestones in a child’s life, which makes the preschool experience very important. Being able to contribute in positive ways and make that first step into education meaningful to children is very rewarding.

What makes a good day at school?

Every day is a good day at preschool, but I especially love a day when the kids are really engaged. I always have a plan for what we are going to teach on any given day, but often we get sidetracked because a student asks a really good question, or a few kids are doing something that we notice and create a lesson out of it. When that happens, lessons resonate more, and kids want to dig deeper. Because it came from them it feels like play, that’s really where the magic happens. Being flexible and having the day go a bit off course is almost always a great day in the classroom.

What is your favorite part about the first day of school?

Getting to know all the kids. We do a lot of activities in the first weeks that are really geared toward creating a community in the classroom. This means we will play games to help the children remember each other’s names and that sort of thing. It also means we will share a lot about ourselves in various ways. Asking even a shy preschooler if they have any pets will often illicit a response. That process of guiding kids through engaging with each other and discovering what they have in common is the best part of beginning a new school year.

Keep an eye out for our next blog post to learn about our new Preschool Aid, Ms. Shayla!

Preschool, Parks and Pee Wee Programs

Posted on July 31, 2019August 6, 2024 by CRPD Communications

This year, Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD) has joined other parks and recreation agencies state-wide in recognizing Parks Make Life Better!® Month (PMLB Month). Parks Make Life Better!® Month is a celebration of Parks and Recreation, as a community service, and a demonstration of how these services model compassion and inclusivity, and promote social equity and networking.

In celebration of PMLB Month, CRPD has chosen to highlight one community member, weekly, showcasing community pride, recognizing individual contributions and encouraging younger generations.

Part 4: The Davis Family and Discovery Kids

The Davis family have been residents of the District for over eight years, are active members of the community and frequent District parks for leisure time and events. Meet Jamie (mom), Chandler (dad), 4-year-old James, and 2-year-old Ben.

From left to right: Ben, Chandler, James, and Jamie.

One of the youngest members of the District, James Davis, is a Discovery Kids Preschool student, who loves science, sports and socializing. Jamie keeps James in the program year-round, so he has an opportunity to continue preparing for future schooling and life.

“I was so excited to find out the Discovery Kids program existed. James loves it and I love it, because I feel like the program gives him the opportunity to socialize and trains the skills he needs for kindergarten. That’s why he attended preschool camp, all four weeks this summer. I wanted to keep him in a routine and keep him learning,” Jamie said.

CRPD’s Discovery Kids Preschool program is a child-centered, classroom experience that emphasizes hands-on activities to help children develop socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.

Having completed a full year of Discovery Kids, James has already demonstrated immense growth. “James has flourished so much going to Discovery Kids. He’s learned to share, learned compassion for other people, and on the academic level, he’s learned the whole alphabet, and will tell me about the weather… He’s even starting to learn to spell and identify words just by looking at them,” Jamie said.

This upcoming fall, James will enter the new Discovery Kids STEM program at White Rock Community Clubhouse. “Last year, James showed a particular love for any sensory play or hands-on learning. Whether it was painting things or making things with clay, he always came home with something he made that day. But science-based activities, like making goo, were so fun for him, since he loves science stuff. So he’s really excited for the STEM program,” Jamie said.

After preschool, James participates in CRPD’s Pee Wee Sports program at the Mather Sports Complex. “He’s done basketball, t-ball, soccer, track & field, and is about to start flag football. It’s an amazing way to let them explore when they’re young, so they can pick and choose what they like. Plus, we’ve had an incredible experience with the coaches. Specifically, Coach Jim. He is so nice and always remembers kids’ names – he’s almost like family – like uncle Jim!” Jamie said.

James at Pee Wee Soccer lessons with Coach Jim

BEYOND PRESCHOOL & RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS

Living right off Bradshaw Road, Jamie feels that Riviera East Park is part of their home. “It’s like our second backyard, literally and metaphorically. The kids love to be there. They explore, identify the animals in the park, make friends with other kids – the socialization James has learned at the preschool helps him in these environments. He’s not afraid to talk to other parents or go play with other kids,” Jamie said.

While Riviera East Park’s proximity makes for a convenient, nature getaway, the Davis family considers themselves District park experts, having visited almost all 36 of them, multiple times. “The park and facility directory in the back of the recreation guide is so helpful. I can glance over each park’s amenities and use it to pick where we want to go that day. It’s nice to have the options for whatever we’re in the mood for. We hit up all the splash pads, attend some birthday parties in parks, enjoy the shade structures at the parks out in Anatolia and my two-year-old loves the Hagan Community Barn, which he calls ‘the farm,’” Jamie said.

With their consistent participation in community events, District programs and utilization of parks, the Davis family has found joy in giving back to the District that serves their community. “Whenever we can, we go down to the barn to donate extra produce that we can’t eat in time for animals. It’s a great reason to bring Ben to the barn, but also nice to know we’re helping make this barn experience possible,” Jamie said.

As a parent in the District, Jamie does not solely seek out resources for her children. She has utilized District resources and programs for herself. “I have participated in golf lessons at the Cordova Golf Course and played in adult softball leagues. We utilize the services, because they’re ours to capitalize on. We kinda feel like they belongs to us,” Jamie said.

In her children’s future, Jamie sees further participation in the District. James will get to explore his other interests, like joining the Jr. Kings’ basketball league when he’s old enough, or expressing his love for dance in hip hop classes at the Hagan Community Center. “Until I had kids, I didn’t even know we had such a strong park district. Now that I have two, I’m so excited to flip through the rec guide CRPD sends out and see how many ways I can get them involved,” Jamie said.

As for little Ben, Jamie plans to place him in both Discovery Kids Preschool and Pee Wee Sports once he turns three. “It’s super affordable, and they’re playing with kids their age, and learning those super basic skills they’ll need later. For that age, that’s more than we could ask for,” Jamie said.

James (second from right) and fellow Discovery Kids Preschool students

Visit https://cordovarpd.gov/programs/earlychildhood/ to learn more about programs for children under 6. Discovery Kids Preschool is still open for registration and begins Tuesday, September 3.