A proper goodbye to Folsom

My family moved to family-friendly Folsom 26 years ago. We had the pleasure of interacting with neighbors, committed city leaders and educators. It was interesting and wonderful. My personal experience broadened my view of the people and students of Folsom and the issues with which they struggled and the things which they enjoyed. Students, coaches, scout leaders with whom I worked, and parto Sifu Thom Lui of the Traditional Kung Fu and Lion Dance were inspirational, taught me tolerance and most of all gave me hope. Shout out to Pack 735, Troop 1855, Red Rubies and Folsom Attack. Those were great years. I recall a conversation with my son, who attended Vista del Lago High School, where I expressed concern about worsening social upheaval and fragmentation, which we were just beginning to experience. He and his friends provided reassuring feedback and a willingness to guard and guide these changes. They are our future and we should support and encourage them. There are uniquely Folsom elements which do not include the Folsom Prison made famous by Johnny Cash. Chief among these include the approachable and dedicated teachers and schools in which they care for and guide our children, very often with individual attentive care and personal funding. Statistically, our public schools compare favorably with and surpass many private schools. The people of Folsom and particularly our neighbors on Lowney Ct., where we spent 20 years of July 4ths around a fire pit late into the night after the annual court fireworks provided a welcoming sense of community. The few too times we held "dinner in the court" gave us a chance to come together as families. The many miles of riding/walking trails, which included 50 miles of class 1 walking and riding trails, the 32-mile American River Bike Trail and 2.5-mile Johnny Cash Trail. There are plans for ongoing construction of an added 30 miles of future trails. Also perfect in Folsom are the weather and often-viewed wildlife. We have a few chilly days but no snow, though there is easy access to it on a short scenic eastward drive. We have views of snow-capped mountains in the east and ever-changing awesome sunsets in the west. It is not unusual to see deer, turkeys, bobcats and smell the skunks in the area. The city wisely retained elements of nature and designed the living spaces around it. As a walker and, as time has progressed, an ex-runner, I enjoyed the many miles of safe, well-marked and scenic trails usable at all times of the day. I believe future plans for the space behind City Hall should include an arboretum with native plants of the state of California. I know that when presented with the idea, both local Lowe's and The Home Depot were willing to take part. It is exceedingly difficult to look at Folsom and resist the desire to take part in the community; to pay it forward and make it a better place. This change has been constant since the city was established in 1849 by Joseph Folsom. In 1895, Folsom built one of the first hydroelectric power plants. In 2005, light rail was introduced and congestion on Highway 50 decreased. As Folsom continues to expand, I trust our leaders will continue to be as forward thinking and proactive as they have historically. Their approach of listening to the residents' needs and wishes while seeing the big picture will continue to hold the city above many. This goal promises to be a challenging one made worse by global warming and water availability. Both are pressing issues requiring urgent attention while neither factor is locally created. As we say goodbye to Folsom to make room to welcome another family to this wonderful location, I have included a piece dedicated to those of you who have inspired me to wonder and to write. Keep on keeping on. Keep walking and running for time. Eric Williams, MD, lived and practiced in Folsom for 25 years before moving out of state to care for his mother. A Walker's Trail By Eric Williams, MD Fleeting finches flutter Tree to tree, branch to branch Seeking moisture and morning delights While the cool morning air makes frosted mounds upon upright hairs. I look but see no snakes crossing The chill of the weather now arrests their sleep … but soon Early morning runners coast by Speaking – two-word – sentences Sweat, mist? upon eager focused faces Words of marathons, heat, cold, and rain waft by on the gentle wind Magic human moments, Sighted runners alongside impaired Held together by heart strings and hand cords move easily through the trails In trees squirrels chatter and chump acorns They jump from branch to branch In a juvenile game of catch and chase My canine companion leans against my leg … and I let her because she is warm She too sees the path ahead, Deer Crossing Not the sign but two adults Followed by fawns, spots fading into maturity Sitting couples embrace the morning moment, their steaming coffee and each other They too wait … In the distance … The signet yellow glow … The rising sun … Daylight arrives …