James Mazzaferro, band director at Sheldon High School, has been selected as one of two band directors in the United States to become a Bandworld Legion of Honor Laureate.

“It’s wonderful to see Jim recognized for the many years of hard work and dedication he has devoted to being an exceptional teacher and role model for students,” said Paula Duncan, principal at Sheldon. “Thanks to Jim, the music program at Sheldon has flourished into one of the top and most respected music programs in the area. He continues to raise the bar for musical excellence in his students and our school is thrilled to see him recognized nationally for his tireless efforts.”

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A very nasty stomach virus called the Norovirus has been reported in Sacramento County. According to the Center for Disease Control website, Norovirus is highly contagious and easily spread. Its symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. The virus is a threat to the very young, elderly and people with other illnesses. It can cause weakness and dehydration.

The virus has hit hard is several senior care facilities. 30% of the residents at The Commons in Elk Grove have had the illness. The residents have been isolated to their rooms and all holiday events have been cancelled according the facility manager.

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Starting next Monday Sacramento, Modesto, and Stockton area McDonald’s will be giving away free coffee. The giveaway will last two weeks and does not require a purchase.

” … We know that many are struggling to make ends meet,and this is our way of lending support during these difficult times,” said Steven Ramirez who owns a McDonald’s in Elk Grove. “As the holiday season comes to a close and budgets become tight, we hope this program will offer some comfort to our community and also warm them up a little during this cold winter season.” Ramirez said.

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Not the best honor for our fair city, but we did win the title of city with the ugliest men. Of 20 cities, Sacramento, California rated itself as having the ugliest men.

The survey was done by LivingSocial. The most vain cities were Miami and Chicago. Only 23% of Sacramento residents consider men in the city as handsome. Sacramento residents report less plastic surgery than other major cities as well.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced today that California’s DUI deaths reached their lowest level ever in 2010. This also signifies the largest single yearly drop of DUI deaths in the past 14 years. A record low of 791 persons were tragically killed in DUI crashes on California roadways last year, compared to 950 in 2009. DUI deaths in California increased yearly from 1998 to 2005, but have decreased every year since 2005.

“This marks a huge milestone in the fight against drunk driving,” said California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Director Christopher J. Murphy. “While we are elated by these figures, there were still 791 lives, futures, and dreams that will never be fully realized. We cannot back off from our ultimate goal – toward zero deaths.”

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Folsom based Waste Connections, Inc., said today it’s moving its headquarters to The Woodlands, Texas. Waste Connections, Inc is a trash hauling company. Waste Connections is one of the Sacramento area’s fastest growing companies as well the largest publicly traded company in Sacramento County.

The company has been unhappy with the anti-business climate in California and is moving to a much more business friendly state.

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The Sacramento Public Library is encouraging community members to donate a new and unwrapped children’s toy for the Toys for Tots winter holiday program at its Fair Oaks branch, 11601 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Fair Oaks.

Toys may be donated at the library branch through December 23 during the branch’s open hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, telephone the Sacramento Public Library at (916) 264-2920 or visit www.saclibrary.org.

It’s time to grab your blankets and chairs, enjoy some hot chocolate and enjoy an evening amongst the stars!

Edward Harris Jr., Middle School, an alumnus NASA Explorer School (NES), will host a STAR Party on Saturday, December 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society (SVAS) will be on hand with telescopes and experts to guide students, parents and staff on a tour of the night sky. Participants are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to this event. The NES team at Harris will provide hot chocolate and popcorn.

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The Sacramento Public Library will let imaginations soar as local authors appear on Saturday, November 12 at 1 p.m. at its Elk Grove branch, 8900 Elk Grove Boulevard, Elk Grove.

Published writers will read portions of their original works from genres including mystery, romance, history, non-fiction, biography, and children’s stories. Noted authors from the Elk Grove and Sacramento areas include Frank Luna, Nan Mahon, Zoe Keithley, Elaine Faber, Carol Anita Ryan, and several others.

The featured authors will have their books available for sale and personal signings. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Elk Grove Library. For more information, telephone the Sacramento Public Library at (916) 264-2920 or visit www.saclibrary.org.

The Sacramento Public Library invites adults to meet mystery-author Michele Drier at a free program on Saturday, November 5 at 3 p.m. at its Belle Cooledge branch, 5600 South Land Park Drive, Sacramento.

Shadows from the past haunt a political family in Drier’s latest mystery book, Edited for Death. Her other book (available as an e-Book), SNAP: The World Unfolds, is the first of the vampire-romance series, featuring the Kandesky vampire family.

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