FHDA President, iconic candy shop owner recognized for countless contributions by service club
When it comes to being recognized for community support, the Snook family has consistently been honored over the years for their many contributions. This past week, the Rotary Club of Historic Folsom added another special recognition to Folsom’s “first family of chocolate” by presenting Jim Snook with the prestigious Paul Harris Award.
“The Paul Harris Fellow award is the highest honor a Rotary Club can bestow on a Rotarian or a member of the community, and we did so with Jim Snook at this past Thursday’s meeting,” explained Chuck Thompson, co-president of the Rotary Club of Historic Folsom.
In addition to honoring Snook, the club presented the Folsom Historic District Association (FHDA) with a check for more than $8,900. This represented a portion of the proceeds from the recent Garratt Wilkin concert, organized by the Rotary Club to benefit improvements at the historic train depot building, now home to FHDA offices and a professional green room space for future concert performers.
“Had it not been for our Rotarian member Judy Collinsworth, FHDA Executive Director, we wouldn’t have been able to host this event and make it the success that it was,” added Thompson. “A lot of fun was had by all, and a lot of good came from this event. The Rotary Club of Historic Folsom will be able to continue helping those in need in our community and internationally. We also want to thank the Rotary Club of Folsom and Folsom Lake Rotary for their support, which helped make this event better than ever.”
Collinsworth accepted the check at the club’s presentation alongside Snook, who is the current president of the FHDA Board of Directors. This was just one of many contributions Snook has made—and continues to make—to the Folsom community. It was at this event that Snook was named a recipient of the Harris Award.
Rotary International established the Paul Harris recognition in 1957 to encourage and show appreciation for substantial contributions to the Foundation’s programs. Over the years, many notable individuals have received this recognition across the country.
The first Paul Harris Fellows included past Rotary International (RI) Director Allison G. Brush, who served during the 1937–38 Rotary year, and longtime RI Treasurer Rufus F. Chapin, for donations made in 1946. Mrs. Adan Vargas was the first woman to receive the recognition, for a gift made in 1953. Early Paul Harris Fellows received a certificate of recognition. In 1969, the Foundation unveiled the first Paul Harris Fellow medallion at the Rotary Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii. Today, Paul Harris Fellows receive a certificate and pin and are eligible to purchase a medallion.
Rotarians have a tradition of honoring others by naming them Paul Harris Fellows. For example, in 1978, Ida LeTulle Taylor became a Fellow when her husband, District Governor Vann Taylor, made a donation in her name to celebrate their 34th wedding anniversary. The entertainer Pearl Bailey and Mother Teresa have also been honored as Paul Harris Fellows. The number of Fellows reached the one million mark in 2006.
Earlier this year, Snook, his wife Renee, and their family were honored by Folsom History with the annual History Makers Award for 2024, recognizing the many contributions the family has made to the Folsom community, particularly its Historic District.
Snook family story, rich in community as much as chocolate
The Snook family’s story is one that has stood the test of time and has been told time and time again.
Snooks Candies and Chocolate Factory was established in 1963 as Country Candies by the late John and Jeannine Snook. The candy shop was originally located at the Arden Fair Food Circus in Sacramento. Over time, the Snook children became involved in the business.
In 1975, Jim began learning the craft of confectionery, followed by his older brother Jeff. In 1980, the business was renamed Snook’s Candies, and in 1985, the family opened a new location in Historic Folsom. The move marked the start of the Snook family’s deep connection to the Folsom community.
In 1999, Jim and Renee purchased the business, and in 2002, they moved it to its current location on Sutter Street. The move elevated the business by allowing customers to watch confections being made on-site.
“Producing our product in full view of the public is part of our business model,” Jim explained. “You don’t need to buy anything to walk away with the feeling that this is a unique place.”
Since then, the Snooks have been active in the Historic District, participating in countless community events. They celebrated their 60th anniversary last year. Earlier this year, they expanded their Sutter Street location, doubling their production capacity and adding retail space, just in time for the busy holiday season.
