Community Service Day is one of Folsom’s most anticipated and impactful annual events—and this year, residents, local businesses, and organizations are being invited to help chart its course.
Organizers will host a Community Service Day Brainstorming Meeting on Wednesday, May 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Folsom Community Center, located at 52 Natoma Street. The meeting is open to everyone who wants to be a part of making Folsom a better place to live, work, and serve.
This open forum is a chance for the community to come together and share ideas that could turn into meaningful volunteer projects during the 12th annual Community Service Day, scheduled for Saturday, September 20. Participants are encouraged to suggest projects that support neighborhoods, beautify public spaces, assist seniors, help local nonprofits, or address other community needs.
If you’re unable to attend the brainstorming session, you can still take part by submitting a project idea online at www.folsom.ca.us/communityserviceday. For more information about the meeting, contact Tom Hellmann at 916-461-6617 or email [email protected].
Folsom’s Community Service Day, organized by the City of Folsom in partnership with local businesses, nonprofit groups, and civic leaders, has grown into the city’s largest day of volunteerism. Since its launch in 2014, more than 23,150 volunteers have participated, completing over 1,050 projects. These range from school campus improvements and trail restorations to facility upgrades at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, Folsom Public Library, and dozens of community-based organizations.
The event also includes a citywide donation drive that has collected more than 645,000 pounds of food for Twin Lakes Food Bank. Volunteers have packed thousands of care packages for active-duty military members and gathered essential items for nonprofits—everything from bicycles and eyeglasses to pet supplies and holiday gifts.
Community Service Day is more than just a day of work—it’s a demonstration of civic pride, unity, and generosity. Often described as a modern-day “community barn-raising,” it inspires residents of all ages to get involved and give back.
In addition to the brainstorming session, organizers are currently accepting formal project proposals for this year’s event. Several submission deadlines apply:
Folsom Cordova Unified School District Projects: Any projects taking place on school campuses must be submitted by Friday, May 16. This deadline gives school staff time to prepare and coordinate before summer break begins.
General Community Service Day Projects: All other standard project proposals must be submitted by Thursday, June 27 to allow for proper planning and resource coordination.
Neighbors Helping Seniors: This special initiative is dedicated to providing exterior home improvements and other assistance for Folsom’s senior residents. If you or someone you know could benefit from a helping hand, project proposals for this program are due by Thursday, August 8.
To submit your project proposal, click HERE. For more information about Folsom Community Service Day, visit www.folsom.ca.us/communityserviceday.
Copyright © 2025, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Powerhouse Entertainment in Historic Folsom is ready to deliver another high-energy weekend of live performances, and it all starts with a familiar name to local music fans. Granite City 909, a longtime local favorite with deep roots to Folsom, opens the weekend with an early set on Friday, May 9 at 7:00 p.m., kicking off three straight days of music that spans decades of popular hits, legendary tributes, and throwback dance favorites.
Granite City 909 is a tribute to the golden age of rock and to the city’s rich history. The band’s name honors Folsom’s original moniker of “Granite City” and nods to the historic elementary school at 909 that was an important part of their youth. With over 125 years of combined professional musical experience, the band brings a sound deeply inspired by the diverse scenes of Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe/Reno, and South Texas during rock’s most influential era.
The group is made up of four longtime friends and talented musicians who are dedicated to preserving the spirit of the 1970s for today’s audiences.
Guitarist Jay Freeman (Guitar) was born in Houston, Texas, and toured extensively across the South and Midwest in the early ’70s, sharing stages with the likes of ZZ Top and Ted Nugent. Even after transitioning to a banking career, his love for music never faded. Freeman represented Wells Fargo in the Fortune Magazine Battle of the Corporate Bands, performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and at a Nashville event headlined by Cheap Trick.
Guitarist Steve Miklos, a Southern California native, began performing with his brother at outdoor festivals and corporate events from a young age. Influenced by his godfather and uncle, a Las Vegas headliner, Miklos carries the vibrant energy of 1970s rock in every note. Many know this name and face from his years serving on Folsom City Council as well as Mayor for multiple terms.
This Friday’s performance will also mark the Powerhouse debut of the band’s new drummer, Dave Bunker, who recently joined the group. A Folsom resident, Bunker was born and raised in a small farming town in Northern Illinois and began drumming at age 10. He formed his first band at 16 and has continued playing throughout his life, even during his service in the U.S. Army. Since relocating to California in 1992, Bunker has played with numerous local groups. He enjoys music, photography, and most of all, enjoys playing drums for Granite City 909.
This Friday’s performance will also mark the Powerhouse debut of the band’s new drummer, Dave Bunker, who recently joined the group. A Folsom resident, Bunker was born and raised in a small farming town in Northern Illinois and began drumming at age 10. He formed his first band at 16 and has continued playing throughout his life, even during his service in the U.S. Army. Since relocating to California in 1992, Bunker has played with numerous local groups. With a passion for music, photography, and performance, he’s excited to step into the rhythm seat for Granite City 909’s upcoming run.
Later Friday night, the party continues at 10:00 p.m. with the Get Lucky Band, known for their crowd-pleasing mix of Top 40 covers and creative mashups. Whether it’s a reimagined classic or a dancefloor anthem, Get Lucky Band brings versatility and energy to every set, keeping the late-night crowd moving with modern hits and throwback favorites alike.
Saturday kicks off with a special matinee performance at 3:00 p.m. featuring Ticket to Ride, a Beatles tribute band that has built a strong following across Northern California. Hailing from the Sacramento area, the band performs hits spanning the Beatles’ entire catalog—from the early harmonies of “Please Please Me” to the layered studio sophistication of “Abbey Road.”
The group’s attention to detail includes the use of authentic instruments such as Rickenbacker and Epiphone guitars, Hofner bass, and even a Mellotron to replicate the studio effects that made songs like “Strawberry Fields Forever” iconic. Each band member brings distinct strengths to the ensemble, whether it’s guitarist Kevin’s George Harrison tone or Sherman’s classically trained keyboard work, giving the audience an experience that’s both musically accurate and emotionally nostalgic.
The momentum carries into Saturday night with a full-scale throwback party as Y2K Live takes the stage at 10:00 p.m. Powered by Adam Aldama and the Aces, this group specializes in early 2000s hits, delivering high-energy versions of songs by N’SYNC, Britney Spears, Usher, Blink-182, Will Smith, Smash Mouth, and more. With a rotating lineup of talented musicians and vocalists, Y2K Live taps into the fun and carefree vibe of the Y2K era. Their performances are part concert, part party, complete with interactive moments, DJs on the patio, and five bars throughout the venue to keep the energy flowing.
The weekend winds down in style on Sunday with Powerhouse of Blues, the venue’s signature live blues showcase that begins at 3:00 p.m. This weekly tradition brings together some of the best blues talent in the region for a relaxed afternoon of soulful grooves, smooth guitar, and authentic musical storytelling. This week’s featured artist will be announced soon, but the series has earned a loyal following thanks to its quality and consistency.
Tickets for all Powerhouse shows can be purchased online or at the door, with seating and admission available on a first-come, first-served basis. All events are 21 and over. For details, showtimes, and advance tickets, visit www.powerhousepub.com.
Copyright © 2025, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.