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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
ADOPT-A-CLASS PROGRAM
WHAT: Chico Performances is now accepting donations from local businesses and individuals to adopt one or more classrooms of their choice to attend field trips in Laxson Auditorium during the 2010-2011 school year, through the Adopt-A-Class program.
WHERE: Adopt-A-Class applications are available at the CSUC University Box Office at the corner of 2nd and Normal Streets, by calling 898-6333, or on the web at www.chicoperformances.com (select “For the Kids” tab.)
COST: $200 – $275 to sponsor one classroom to one Field Trip.
More info on the Web: www.chicoperformances.com
(Select “For the Kids” button.)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Linking businesses, classrooms, children, and the arts, Chico Performances invites local businesses and individuals to sponsor school classes to attend field trip performances at California State University, Chico. Entering its 13th year, Adopt-A-Class allows children to enjoy and learn to appreciate art, theater, and music, courtesy of local businesses and individuals at no cost to the students, teachers or the school. Donations to the Adopt-A-Class program are tax deductible.
ADOPT-A-CLASS PROGRAM IS ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR
ITS 13TH YEAR BRINGING THE ARTS TO SCHOOL CHILDREN
For the 13th year, businesses and individuals can enrich school children’s educational experiences by adopting a local class to see an exciting Field Trip through the Adopt-A-Class program at CSU, Chico. Every child in the area deserves an opportunity to enjoy the thrill and excitement of a live performance.
Linking businesses, individuals, classrooms, children and the arts is the main goal of the Adopt-A-Class program. This community-oriented program allows classes from different elementary schools to attend field trips at no cost to students, teachers or the district.
Every business and individual that “adopts” a classrooms’ attendance to a field trip gets stage recognition at the field trip they sponsored, as well as an invitation to attend the field trip with their adopted class. For a donation of $200 to most field trips, or $275 to the Peking Acrobats field trip, one class may attend one field trip. For a donation of $1,000 to $1,375 one class may attend five field trips, or five classes may attend one field trip.
The Adopt-A-Class program is going on its 13th year, with over 20 field trip performances scheduled for the 2010-2011 season. The program is now accepting donations from businesses and individuals to “adopt” classes to attend one or more of these live field trip performances.
Chico Performances encourages teachers to recruit local businesses to sponsor their classrooms field trip visits.
“It can be a student whose parents own a business, or whose grandparents want to donate to the class,” said Daran Goodsell, marketing coordinator for Chico Performances. “We leave it up to the business and the classroom, so if there’s a business out there that wants to sponsor- just contact us or the classroom you want to sponsor. We also encourage the teachers to recruit adopters- it all helps!”
Chico Performances started the Adopt-A-Class program with a grant from the City of Chico and its Arts Commission in 1997. Last year, more than 75 classrooms participated in the Adopt-A-Class project, with 25 businesses and individuals adopting classrooms.
For more information on field trip performances, or on the Adopt-A-Class program please visit www.chicoperformances.com
To Adopt-A-Class, call Chico Performances at 898-6785, visit HYPERLINK “http://www.chicoperformances.com” www.chicoperformances.com and select “for the kids” to download an application, or pick up an application at the University Box Office located on the corner of 2nd and Normal Streets.
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Chico Performances contact: Daran Goodsell (530) 898-6785.
CSU, Chico Web page including “Adopt-A-Class” information: HYPERLINK “http://www.chicoperformances.com” www.chicoperformances.com
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New Cardiac Services available at Banner Lassen Medical Center
Stress tests and echocardiograms (echo) are among the best tools for diagnosing heart disease, and some research suggest that they may also be useful in estimating disease risk in people who don’t have symptoms but do have risk factors such as high cholesterol. A stress test and echo may be recommended in patients over 40 with a risk for coronary artery disease because of smoking, high blood pressure or other risk factors.
What is a stress test?
A stress test is a study that checks your heart at rest and while it’s beating heavily. A stress test can be done with or without dye, depending on what your physician orders. Stress tests are usually done with exercise or with medication to get your heart rate up to measure your heart’s function.
Why is it done?
Your heart may show signs that it’s not working properly when you’re under exertion, but symptoms may disappear while you’re at rest, says JoAnn Mahloch, Cardiopulmonary Manger at Banner Lassen Medical Center. A stress test gives your doctor an added level of information about your hearts health. Most of the time stress tests are prescribed by your physician because you have complained about chest pain, you have a past history of heart disease or other medical issues that increase the risk for heart disease, a family history of heart disease or because of your social history (smoking, drinking).
How is it done?
A two-step procedure, the stress test begins with and EKG while your heart is at rest. Sticky patches or electrodes are attached to the chest and shoulders and connected to electrodes or wires. These help to record the electrocardiogram during the echocardiography test. Then you spend about 10 minutes walking on a treadmill to get your heart pumping faster. The patient begins the test by walking on the treadmill first slowly then at three minute intervals speed and grade is increased. When the patient has reached about 85 percent of their maximum heart rate the EKG is repeated, allowing your physician to see how the heart is functioning when it’s pumping fast and furiously compared with at rest. The stress testing portion of the test takes approximately one-half hour from start to finish. After the procedure, the patient will sit for the recovery phase where the patient is monitored to baseline heart rate and blood pressure. As soon as your stress test portion is complete, you will be provided with caffeine and a snack before the second portion of your scan. Your blood pressure, heart rate and heart rhythm will be monitored throughout the testing.
The second step to your test occurs if your doctor has ordered a Nuclear Medicine Stress test. You will be given dye by the Nuclear Medicine Technologist for a resting scan that is done in radiology, then you will go back to the cardiopulmonary department for the exercise portion as described above with a second dose of dye. The last part of the test will be done in radiology and is called the post exercise scan of your heart. The total length of this test is usually 2 to 3 hours.
In addition to stress testing, Banner Lassen has also made Echocardiography available to the community.
What is Echocardiography?
An echocardiogram or “echo” is a test in which ultrasound is used to examine the heart, providing single and two-dimensional measurement of the heart chambers. Echocardiograms are capable of displaying a cross-sectional “slice” of the beating heart and demonstrates the chambers, valves and the major blood vessels.
What information does Echocardiography provide?
Echocardiography provides information to your physician for surgical clearance, size of the heart chambers, pumping function, valve function, volume status and more. Echocardiography is also useful in the diagnosis of fluid in the pericardium as well as helping to evaluate the heart’s function and diagnose diseases of the heart.
What is the process for scheduling a stress test?
When you make your appointment the receptionist will talk to you about what medications may interfere with a valid test and what foods, like caffeine and tobacco that need to be avoided 12 hours prior to the test. “If arthritis or other conditions make you unable to exercise, the doctor can give you a medication that helps speed up your heartbeat without exertion”, Mahloch says. The medication would be administered by the Registered Nurse and the treadmill portion will be handled by the Respiratory Therapist. The Isotope will be administered by the Nuclear Technologist and a qualified Respiratory Therapist, Registered Nurse and Hospitalist will be there to monitor you. If you experience persistent discomfort from the medication an antidote can be given by the RN to reverse the medication effects.
The patient should wear comfortable loose fitting clothes, preferably two pieces (top and shorts or pants) and comfortable walking shoes (athletic/tennis shoes). The individual should avoid eating a large meal right before the test which could make exercising uncomfortable.
People with possible heart ailments are often concerned that putting stress on their hearts will cause a heart attack or other problem, but complications from stress tests are rare. Plus, Mahloch adds, “if something bad happens during a stress test, it means that something is wrong with your heart, and the hospital is the best place to be should something happen.”
A cardiologist will read and interpret the results of your stress test and an interpretation of the test will be forwarded to the ordering physician as soon as it is interpreted by the Cardiologist.
Remember to always take heart symptoms seriously and go to the nearest Emergency Room if you are experiencing chest pain.
Stress tests ordered by your physician are available at Banner Lassen Medical Center Monday through Friday from 8am – 12pm. A pre-authorization may be needed so be sure to check with your insurance. For more information call us at 530-252-2000.
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Chamber Welcomes- Eastern Plumas Chamber of Commerce
Marvel in the beauty and wildlife of the area. The seasons are very distinct; glorious snow-capped mountains in the winter, beautiful colors in the fall, heavenly scenes in the spring, and great outdoor living in the summer. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, you’re sure to have the time of your life!
Lake Davis
Seven miles north of Portola, California, Lake Davis was created in 1967 primarily for recreation. During the summer and winter, the recreation area has a variety of activities including: camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, mountain biking and wild life viewing, hunting, ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross country skiing.
Frenchman Lake
This lake is named after Claude Seltier, who emigrated from France in the 1880’s and became a rancher in Sierra Valley. Frenchman Lake is a reservoir and began to fill in 1961, becoming on of the best trout waters in the state. Five camp grounds, a three lane boat ramp and numerous day use areas are in demand all summer, with swimming, fishing and water skiing vacations.
Lakes Basin
Located nine miles southwest of Graeagle on Gold Lake Highway, the lakes basin area has special geological features. Glaciers sculpted the granite ridges and serrated rock outcroppings into breathtaking scenery with over 20 crystalline lakes, most of which are accessible by the hiking trail system.
Plumas-Eureka State Park
For thousands of years the Northern Maidu inhabited the Feather River region’s forested ridges, high lakes and green valleys.
The 1848 gold discovery at John Sutter’s sawmill in Coloma brought thousand of would be prospectors to California. Gold fever came to Plumas when several miners struck gold on Eureka Peak.
Winter recreation; the annual Longboard Revival Race series takes place at the historic Plumas-Eureka Ski Bowl. Hosted by the non-profit Plumas Ski Club, contestants wearing 1860s attire to race downhill on 9- to 16-foot wooden skis.
Chamber Welcomes- Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce
MAP DRAWN BY DONNA MILLS
Chamber Welcomes- Chester Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce
Plan your family trip, group retreat or special occasion getaway with us and…come together with the mountains.
The Lake Almanor Basin and surrounding area spreads across a natural wonderland created by millions of years of geologic forces, a crossroad where the granite of the Sierra Nevada meets the lava of the Cascades.
Enjoy hours of pleasure on Lake Almanor with its 52 miles of shoreline, in Lassen Volcanic National Park which boasts the southernmost volcano in the Cascade range and in the 1.2 million acres that make up the Lassen National Forest and HYPERLINK “http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lassen/recreation/wilderness/caribou/” \t “_self” Caribou Wilderness area with over 300 campsites. This is a playground for all seasons, for all ages and any lifestyle.
The Basin and surrounding area offer world class fishing in lakes and streams, family fun on skis, wake boards, tubes and jet skis, quiet mountain adventures in camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, bird watching and championship golf. Winter brings the quiet beauty of Lassen Peak keeping watch over pristine fields of snow and groomed trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. With a cup of steaming coffee on an early winter morning, one can catch the alpen glow on Lassen Peak and experience a moment of the quiet and beauty that make our paradise in the pines
Call or visit the Chester-Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce for lodging, dining and recreational information 530-258-2426, or visit our website for up to date event information and area news www.LakeAlmanorArea.com.
Chamber Welcomes- Westwood Chamber of Commerce
Surrounded by cascading mountain ranges and crystal clear streams and lakes is Westwood, a small town literally cut out of the forest. Westwood enjoys a premiere location, nestled between the Cascade and Sierra-Nevada Mountain ranges, home to the legend of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. When the Red River Lumber Company moved west from Minnesota, it brought with it the legend of Paul and Babe and now a 25 foot statue of Paul and Babe welcomes visitors to Westwood. The Red River Lumber Company established one of the most technologically advanced townships in the country…right down to the steam heated sidewalks! This quaint community is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to hop on to the Bizz Johnson trail head located right in town, or for those who would like a bite to eat, you could try the historical Walker Mansion Inn, Buffalo Chips Pizza, or The Old Mill Cafe. If you’re an angler, you could spend the day fishing at some of the many streams and lakes nearby like Goodrich Creek, Hamilton Branch or Mountain Meadows Reservoir, known to locals as Walker Lake, just to name a few. A place for all to enjoy, Westwood offers access to many dirtbiking trails, hiking trails, meadows, lakes, streams, horseback riding, birdwatching, and so much more. We welcome you to come enjoy our community, rich in history, beauty, and gorgeous scenes from Mother Nature. Stop by the Westwood Visitor Center at the corner of Third and Ash Streets for maps, brochures, and other tour information.
Photo of Mountain Meadows Reservoir (Walker Lake) by Jack Coverdell
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Shocking News About Batteries
 According to the the California Energy Commission, Americans use an average of about eight batteries a year per person. Throwing away batteries can produce dangerous substances in landfills, heavy metals like lead, arsenic, zinc, cadmium, copper, and mercury. These toxic metals can be harmful to humans and wildlife. Throwing away batteries can cause these dangerous metals to seep into the ground water and eventually into the food chain. So, instead of throwing batteries in the trash, we should all take them to a toxic waste disposal area.
Forty percent of all battery sales are made during the holiday season. Consider buying toys that don’t require batteries or buy rechargeable batteries and a recharger.
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 Diamond Mountain Golf Lessons Pictured are Dan Kowall, Diamond Mountain Golf Club Manager and PGA Professional, with Tim Mooney, USGTR-PGA teaching professional.
Diamond Mountain Golf Club has welcomed teaching professional Tim Mooney to their team. Tim is certified by the United States Golf Teachers Federation, Professional Golf Assoc. (USGTR-PGA).
Mooney has taught for the past 15 years, bringing experience from positions in Rancho Park, Los Angeles area; Indian Wells in Palm Desert; and currently College of the Desert in Palm Desert. He was mentored by Al Geiberger, the first pro to shoot 59 on tour in 1964.
Teaching clinics are held Wednesday through Saturday at Diamond Mountain. Private instructions are also avaialble by calling Tim at (530)816-0713.
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We have put together, on our website, one spot where a regional calendar can be found in its entirety thanks to the following organizations:
Quincy Chamber of Commerce
Chester Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce
Plumas Sierra County Fair
Eastern Plumas Chamber of Commerce
Lassen County Chamber of Commerce
Lassen County Fair
Westwood Area Chamber of Commerce
You will find one calendar incorporating all events listed in the area with the above named organizations. If your group is having an event and want it posted, email details to calendar@mountainvalleyliving.com.
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 Silver Lake Property offered by Smith Properties 530-257-2441 Edit/index0510
MountainValleyLiving.com
aka: ShopNorCal.com
Hot Springs Pool… If you ever wonder why we routinely get over 400,000 hits online per edition, it is because you can go back and search to find all of your favorite articles from our past editions. Search “hot springs swimming pool” and you’ll wind up in last August’s article “Feel the Fire at Drakesbad”. There you will find out about the secluded hot springs swimming pool at Drakesbad Guest Ranch, in Mount Lassen National Park. Click on road trips and we’ll take you across the Northeastern Sierras to choose an adventure for your family.
Beach Trails… Suppose you want to take a nice bike ride alongside the beautiful lake when you visit Almanor, but you are just not sure where to start. May I suggest a visit to our website. Go ahead; it’s easy. Search “Almanor Bike Trail”. You’ll soon be engulfed in Jan Cox’s article ‘Biking on the West Shore’, which practically takes you trailside where 10 miles of paved trails are stretched out, connecting two campgrounds, with resorts and services along the way. You’ll find lots of great trails at mountainvalleyliving.com, like the Susanville Ranch Park Trails, The Bizz Johnson and more.
Buy Stuff. Buy Real Estate… Another great reason to visit our website is for ShopNorCal.com. You can pick out a beautiful locally made item and buy it right there or you can browse through the area’s real estate offerings. Well if you like one, you can print it, email it, share it on a social network or better yet, buy it from a friendly realtor you will also meet at shopnorcal.com.
Looking for Something to Do This Weekend?… Check out the Calendar of Events on our website. It is another reason so many people visit us. If your organization is having a special event for the public, let us know. Even if you miss the magazine deadline, you will still get in the calendar online.
Visit mountainvalleyliving.com or shopnorcal.com
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Whew, how the winter flew by! It’s great to see all the local retailers merchandising with all those beautiful window displays I see in the many little towns I visit around here. If you have something new, let us know!
La Casa Bella Fine Furnishings now offers great beds. You will really enjoy the comfy line of Kathy Ireland beds now offered at this quaint Quincy furniture store. Norm and Jeannie are great people who have chosen a wide variety of home furnishings from around the world for their shop. If you have not been by yet, and would enjoy seeing a very distinctive line of home decor, and some really remarkable prices, you definitely need to stop by!
Sears in Susanville has an incredible amount of in stock merchandise. If you have not been inside your local Sears store in Susanville, it’s time. From big screen televisions and state of the art exercise equipment to the large selection of appliances, there is plenty of models to choose from in their showroom. Kevin and Kitty Smith’s “Hometown Sears Store” has excellent service too.
If you enjoy reading Mountain Valley Living Magazine, there is one BIG way you can help us. VISIT OUR SPONSORS. We strive to promote our sponsors in every way possible; we hope you will choose our sponsors in your buying decisions.
Claim your share of $37,000,000 the State of California has reserved for its’ “Cash For Appliances” program. Copied from the popular “Cash for Clunkers” car rebates, appliance buyers can receive an approximate $75 rebate per appliance purchased during the program, according to Kevin Smith at Sears in Susanville. The program is ecology friendly as all old appliances will be recycled.
WACKO FOR TACKLE? If so, you’ll love the great selection of fishing tackle at The Men’s Den in Historic Uptown Susanville. For the ladies, Elegant Iris offers a “Unique Boutique” complete with flavored candles including Coconut Lime, Verbena, Cucumber Melon, Honeysuckle, Lilac Mist and more. Don’t forget Mother’s Day May 9th!
Almanor Flooring in Chester has some really great buys. Owners Tom and Doria Hupp told us shoppers are often surprised by how competitive their Chester store is against the “big warehouse home stores”. Not only do they carry some great low priced products, they also have great deals on all those top of the line products you see in the home magazines. If you’re in the market, do yourself and your community a favor and check out this local company that has served our beautiful area for decades.
Maria’s Walkers in Chester will now be called Maria’s Mexican Restaurant. They serve homemade Mexican food and offer a full bar including margaritas blended with the flavors of summer! In May, you will also find Maria’s at Lake Almanor West Golf Course serving up golfers and visitors to the west shore of Lake Almanor.
Lunch at Gamboni’s ?????????
Old Mill Cafe’s Saturday dinners are a big hit. They offer their great menu plus some great seafood specials. They are open Monday through Friday from 6am to 7pm and Saturdays from 7am to 7pm.
Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch in Quincy has many community events planned for the summer. Check out all the events in May on page 17.
Picnic Basket Anyone? Cafe Le Coq in Quincy is a great stop for lunch or dinner and now they are packing picnic baskets to go. Stop in or call Donata for all the details. You’ll love the nice picnic baskets she offers.
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BIZ0510
YOUR NEW STOREFRONT IS READY!
And the Service Is FREE until you sell something!
On each page of our well designed website, readers are invited to ShopNorCal.com, where they can choose to either “Shop Real Estate” or Shop Retail”. We have a place there just for you. We highly encourage placing AMERICAN MADE items for sale on our site. We have a special advertising plan of our own to get the word out on ShopNorCal.com and will give special attention to items MADE IN AMERICA. We have already begun by placing radio ads with Sierra Radio Network and buying signage.
There is some work involved on the part of your store (or yourself, for artists and other manufacturers), but it is easy! And if you are confused, we will personally help you get started.
YOU WILL NEED TO:
1. Be able to take good photos of items for sale and produce them in digital format.
2. Write a description of each item to be sold.
3. Establish a price.
It is important that you only sell items that you know you will be able to ship right away. We strive to have a highly respected site which showcases friendly Nor Cal merchants who provide outstanding customer service. If you wish to list items also for sale in your store, it is easy to remove items from the site if and when they sell out in your store or are no longer available. Some wholesalers are even willing to drop ship items for you. You will need to check with your suppliers to see if they have any restrictions about selling their products on the internet.
If you want to give it a try all by yourself, visit shopnorcal.com and sign up as a vendor. You’ll be ready to upload your items to the site.
Of the money we collect for you, we keep 10% AFTER the sale plus the usually minimal paypal fees we are charged for the sale. We immediately turn the rest over to you when we receive shipping confirmation. The customer pays all shipping based on the weight you provide for the item and whatever price you want to put on your merchandise. BUT…. we must be certain that companies involved take it seriously and provide excellent customer service to our online customers and only list items which they stock or can get and ship within 10 days. All items made in America will get special treatment with free promotion in the magazine. Once we have 1,000 Made in USA items, we plan to rock the nation with the news. We already come up very high on Google searches because of our talented webmaster. For example, when I Googled ‘mountain wreath making’, we came up as number 5, not even a mention of Vermont before Mountain Valley Living. Similar searches produced similar results, like coming up number 6 for ‘stay forest service lookout’; we didn’t even mention which state. Our site is amazing and we hope you will take advantage of selling there.
We are ready to go and ready to set up your store within ours and within hours. We handle all the sales and provide you with orders by email. We do average from 300,000 to 400,000 web hits per edition because our articles are interesting and easy to find on web searches. Every page on our site offers a chance to click to shopnorcal. We just need lots of items before we start heavily promoting it. We are already advertising it on radio and signage and have big plans for future promotions once we get plenty of items. Come on board!
A CA Sellers Permit is required and only items applying to our family friendly, quality goods site will be approved. All items are subject to approval.
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| What A Ride It’s Been!Wow!It’s been a fun, if somewhat bumpy ride over the months since I joined the ranks of Mountain Valley Living Magazine. Drawn to the publication out of the simple pleasure of pouring over its’ pages month by month, I decided to toss my hat in the ring as an advertiser. To my surprise, the first ad brought a call from a pleasant gentleman in Chico wanting me to give him a price opinion on his lakefront property at Almanor. Oh, did I mention my day job is as a realtor?
Speaking of real estate, I am so proud to announce that this issue includes our premier Real Estate Section! Inside you’ll find full color features on selected home listings, plus agent profiles, REO properties, fixer-uppers, hot buys, and more.
Just for fun, check out all this and more on our website, mountainvalleyliving.com, where you can take a virtual tour of the listings, and click on links to individual realtor’s websites. Be sure to also check out our link to shopnorcal.com for even more listings! Apologies to all the realtors we haven’t had the opportunity to talk to yet. Certainly no slight intended!
As a native of this area, it gives me great pride to share in producing a publication dedicated to the good in our intermountain area. Having worked with publisher Eileen Majors in the past, I knew and appreciated her special talents and ethics. Her focus on exploring the simple pleasures that abound throughout the Nor Cal, and Northeastern Nevada areas bring so many kudos from our readers. Like them, I am always pleasantly surprised to find out about people, places, and activities I hadn’t known about in a lifetime here.
This, of course, makes my job in advertising for the publication a breeze. Businesses already know and enjoy the magazine before I get there. I don’t have to tell them that their customers are among the thousands of readers that enjoy our stories on outdoor adventures, home and garden, family fun, good health, great food, travel, entertainment and more. It doesn’t seem to matter whether readers are young or old, newcomers or oldtimers, or vistors, the magazines fly off the stands, keeping us on our toes refilling them.
In these times of uncertainty, we tend to return to the simple pleasures. That’s what we’re all about, whether it’s sipping a cup of coffee by a crackling fire, or bundling up the family for a weekend outing, it’s taking time to savor the moment. So tuck a copy of our magazine next to your favorite chair, or in your knapsack. I think you’ll find it’s good company. |
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Last month we told you about how easy it is to provide phone cards to members of the military serving around the globe. Now we have received information on how folks who want to help can provide a little of the extras these soldiers might enjoy. Individuals and organizations can also show their support to deployed troops and their families with gift certificates. The Gift of Groceries program allows anyone to purchase commissary gift certificates at http://www.commissaries.com or by calling toll free 1 (877) 770-GIFT. The Armed Services Exchanges offer the Gift From the Homefront gift certificate for merchandise at these exchange web sites: http://www.aafes.com and http://www.navy-nex.com or by calling toll free 1 (877) 770-GIFT. Gift certificates may be purchased to be mailed to servicemembers and family members or will be distributed to any servicemember. Only authorized commissary and exchange patrons may redeem the gift certificates at military commissaries and exchanges, including those stores supporting deployed personnel around the globe.
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From the Publisher, Eileen Majors
Looking back on this second anniversary of Mountain Valley Living, one thing rings true: Our readers have made this dream my reality. I mean by so many reading it yes, and because It was a few of our readers who jumped on board, literally becoming the creative staff who makes the magazine.
Melissa Wynn called me one day after she got the first edition. “I want to write for the magazine,” she told me. After two months of 17 hour days put in, I was thrilled. Every month she searches out great places to stay and comes up with some really fun stuff for our readers. I quickly called my old friend Mary Hasselwander, who agreed to help us make some sense of it all. My neighbor Rhonda Sanders hustled through local businesses to win the support we needed to continue.
Like magic, beautiful photography from good friend Jack Coverdell soon followed. Ben Graham, our wise webmaster worked days and nights to design a website that does absolutely everything! It took him several months to even get me to look at it, let alone use the amazing features including his unique tag system which has resulted in as many as 430,000 website hits in a single month. He also set up an online Nor Cal store where readers can buy things easily from our local merchants. I am shocked when I think of how far we’ve come because of the talent that showed up to take part in this plan, obviously bigger than mine. John and Jan Cox also jumped on board and are now a vital part of our team.
Greg Marankie of Marankie Concepts, now a regular design contributor called me last year to tell me he liked the magazine but he thought we needed his help. I listened to his ideas, as each was an answer to a problem I was completely aware we had. He has been helping us ever since. We can’t wait to grow into becoming a big consumer of his amazing talent.
Teresa Majors who had taken a professional break to enjoy being a full time, stay-at-home-mom voluntarily jumped on board to help me some time back. She now designs every page in the magazine, pretty beautifully too, I think. Her dedication and talent is fun to watch and it’s fun to have kids popping in our office from time to time. Speaking of kids, we love the opportunity Sedona brings to the communities with her Kidzview page. Kim Poggi, who joined the drive early on, continues to help and distribute magazines throughout the Nor Cal region.
It’s been a long struggle as taking time to sell ads could not always take first priority. Hearing from my old boss of 15-plus years, I thought was sheer luck. Her extensive experience is in sales management locally and in the Malibu area and she too wanted to help. There we have Eve DeVeir, the latest miracle to arrive on board.
We are equipped and ready to grow into the original dream project as we currently seek out qualified candidates to put together a strong sales team. We have tens of thousands of readers and hundreds of thousands of online visits each edition, but we are still well on our way to becoming successful. I cannot wait to be able to reward all of these ordinary people WELL for their extraordinary efforts.
We are still looking for sales people to complete the team here. I have no doubt as we celebrate our second anniversary that just the right people will arrive so the magazine can prosper the people who work here and help the communities we serve. Thanks for reading on.
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With so many of our neighbors struggling financially it is more important than ever to donate to charities organized to assist those hardest hit by tough economic times. Crossroads Ministries in Susanville, Ca is my pick for this holiday season. This dedicated organization offers a wide variety of assistance to the needy and homeless on a year round basis. Manager Cheri Farrell and her devoted staff do so much with so little, I was amazed.
Crossroads Ministries offers a once a month food pantry that will also give out Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets to families in need who sign up Nov 2-20 at 2410 Main St. in Susanville. A hot and nutritious breakfast and lunch is also served Monday-Friday at 7:30 a.m. and noon along with a 6:00 p.m. Saturday night dinner. Crossroads Ministries will also host a Christmas dinner and gift giveaway December 19th for those who might otherwise go without this year. A 1$ a bag clothes closet is another great service offered. Coats, gloves and snow boots are super donations this time of year but of course cash donations are best to keep all programs running.
Not only does Crossroads Ministries help feed and clothe their community they also house the homeless in 3 separate semi-permanent shelters; Philemon House for men, Grace Gables for women and Transitional House for those re-entering society from rehab and incarceration situations. A new overnight shelter, to house the homeless on an overnight basis to be named Samaritan House, is currently in the works. Also offering an outstanding careers program directed by Lorne Brown, Crossroads Ministries truly gives a hand up. You can learn more about all they give and do at www.crossroadsministries.com. Let’s follow their admirable lead this holiday season and donate what we can to this deserving cause. Donations can be mailed to 2410 Main St Susanville, Ca 96130.
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 A celebration of life for Lloyd Taylor will be held Saturday Sept. 5th 2009 at 1:00 o’clock in Seneca, CA. at the Gin Mill
A pot luck lunch will be served please bring a covered dish or dessert.
We can all remember Lloyd Taylor who performed on many occasions in Seneca including our trip for the article Golden Summer Fun by: Melissa Wynn.
He will be greatly missed
we hope you will join us.
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By Jan Cox
There are many forms of community: our neighborhoods, churches, the towns we live in, or even a group of like minded people coming together with common interests. In the last few years, a strong community has formed around the One Stop Centers in Herlong, Beiber, and Westwood.
Here in Westwood, the One Stop Center is a partnership between the Westwood Family Resource Center, Lassen Aurora Network, and Lassen County Department of Health and Social Services. While the Lassen Aurora Network supports wellness through peer support services, self-care workshops and groups, Lassen County Department of Health and Social Services provides mental health and drug and alcohol services.
The Westwood Family Resource Center (WFRC) also wears many hats. In talking with Elizabeth Krier, director of the Westwood One Stop Center, she explained that the Family Resource Center concerns itself with educational, community and social service work. This center is for the entire community. Here residents may receive emergency food from a food shelf or buy natural foods from the WFRC Natural Food Store. The emergency food shelf has been especially important during these lean times and they always welcome food donations. Residents may also bring a toddler to a play group, borrow toys, or sign up for parenting or childbirth classes. Every so often, you will read a notice in the newspaper about their mystery baby showers where community members can attend and/or leave unwrapped baby gifts for a family in need.
This center also offers internet, copy machine, and fax access, computers, and application assistance for Medi-Cal and other social services. LassenWORKS now has a case worker on site every 4th Wednesday of the month to serve the residents of Westwood, Pine Town, and Clear Creek. This case worker helps residents complete the application process for CalWORKS cash assistance, Food Stamps and Medi-Cal and is available to answer questions.
As a retired educator, one thing that excited me about the Westwood Family Resource Center was the Jack PAC After-School Program which takes place during the school year from the time school lets out until 6 pm daily. This is the time when the juvenile crime rate climbs due to children of working parents being home alone. The Center was established in 1992 and soon evolved into a non-profit organization under Communities United for Children and Families. Family Resource Centers work under that umbrella. Jack PAC (Partners in After School Collaboration) is primarily funded by California Department of Ed, Prop 49 funds while groups such as the Chimney Fund, Rotary, Fletcher Walker Elementary School (building), Westwood Community Services (use of park) and many local businesses help them meet the demand for matching funds. Elizabeth noted that they are always grateful for this necessary community funding.
During the school year, Jack PAC has an average of 90 children enrolled with a daily average attendance of 70 children. Desiree Naseath is the new activities coordinator for the WFRC, while this year, the JackPAC coordinator is a separate position and will be a new face on the first day of school. Volunteers also teach various activities such as cooking and beading clubs, town history, community awareness, theater production and other areas of skills or interests that engage children.
 Playground Fun for JackPAC kids A typical afternoon at Jack PAC includes a nutritional snack, physical education, homework tutoring and specific clubs and activities. The Family Resource Center makes it a point to connect to teachers over lunch to keep open lines of communication about the children that attend the program.
Watch for the center’s Light’s on After School open house October 22, 2009. At this open house there is usually a dinner, raffle, Power Point presentation and demonstrations of activities. Or come in and find out more for yourself. The Westwood One Stop Center is located at 463-975 Birch St., Fort Sage One Stop is located at 17 D.S. Hall Avenue, Herlong, CA., and Beiber One Stop meets in the Bieber Library. Visitors are always welcome.
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There is definitely room in the world of professional homemakers in the media for this clever and talented young lady. Susie Baston of Susanville is the new crafts and food editor for Mountain Valley Living Magazine. Her ideas will be featured in the magazine and on our website found at mountainvalleyliving.com and shopnorcal.com. She enjoys creating and we are excited to have her as part of the Mountain Valley team. She will be preparing seasonal crafts and recipes to feature in each edition. Don’t miss her special MOUNTAIN VALLEY HOLIDAY CRAFT AND COOKBOOK coming as an insert to our big holiday edition which publishes November 1st.
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By Eileen Majors
Go Greenville! It is exciting to see one little community working together to bring positive changes to their town. As one group moves forward steadily with plans for a wellness center, another group has been busy installing Nuksa Te Park and Playground, a Maidu Indian playground, on Greenville’s Main Street in the downtown area. Grant funding from the Pacific Forest & Watershed Lands Stewardship Council was awarded to Plumas Rural Services for this project.
We were contacted by Josie Litchfield, Project Coordinator for Nuksa Te (‘Jolly Child’ in Maidu) playground. She and a local group of parents got the ball rolling on this idea. They began fund raising last year and raised approximately $5,000.00 through rummage sales and silent auctions. They soon teamed up with Plumas Rural Services to write the grant and then became partners with the Indian Valley Recreation and Parks Department who are building a community center downtown. They generously offered up a nice space behind the community center, yet visible from the street, for the playground/park. Unique aspects of the playground will be the 6X6 recycled plastic posts, a climbing wall, and lots of natural landscaping.
The community is hopeful that its location on Main Street will attract passers by to stop and enjoy their friendly community and some of the quaint shops the area offers as well. The local grocery Evergreen Market has donated to the project as has the Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce and Gray’s Flower Garden of Quincy, who provided trees for the park. Josie said “This has truly been a homegrown effort!” Several businesses have been supportive. The playground is located on Main Street across from Sierra Sunrise Coffee House in Greenville.
 
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 ENERGY SAVING MEASURES
If the sound of saving energy is appealing to you, you will love our upcoming fall edition. We will have all the latest information on ways to get ready for winter around the house and ways to save energy.
From wind and solar power to comparing heating options, this special supplement to Mountain Valley Living will offer great information to hold onto.
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS
If your business offers energy saving measures or other items for the upcoming winter, call about our great rates on advertising. Your ad in this special edition will include year round web advertising on our very popular site (with over 425,000 hits in one month alone!) and as an extra bonus, we are offering you a chance to sell any products you may offer at shopnorcal.com.
You may also offer year round coupons on our newly developing coupon page at shopnorcal.com and mountainvalleylivingmagazine.com.
Call us today if you have ever thought about advertising with us. The value-added packages we offer are definitely worth considering. Call Eileen at 530-256-2800 or email mountainvalleyliving@gmail.com.
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Submitted by: Leslie Wall, Plumas Rural Services
Community Connections…It’s About Time
________________________________________________________________
CELEBRATING HOME!
We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful, diverse area of Northern California where there are four gorgeous seasons, lakes, wildlife, and some of the best friends and neighbors found anywhere.
One of the great ways of celebrating our unique location is at the 2nd annual Homegrown Festival. This year the Homegrown Festival is on Saturday, August 29th from 3:00pm to dusk at the historic Thompson Valley Ranch just outside of Quincy.
The Homegrown Festival is a celebration of local food and farming where residents, growers and local chefs come together for an afternoon and evening of food, fun and music. Participants have an opportunity to meet local food producers face-to-face, tour the historic Thompson Valley Ranch where grass-fed beef is raised, and enjoy a lavish meal of locally grown foods and regional beer and wine at a no-host bar.
One of the greatest benefits of living in a small, rural community is the opportunity to know first-hand where our food comes from and the farmer who grows it. Most growers in our region who market their products locally practice small-scale, sustainable agriculture. When we support our local farmers we are strengthening the local economy, using less energy for transportation and storage of food products, and preserving agricultural lands and rural lifestyles!
Locally-grown fare includes fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, and eggs. Besides learning more about and appreciating all the healthy foods, the Homegrown Festival offers entertainment by local musicians, ranch and garden tours, and a few fun-filled surprises.
The Homegrown Festival is a collaborative effort between Plumas Rural Services, Quincy Natural Foods Co-op, and a wide variety of local restaurants and businesses. Tickets go on sale August 1st. For more information call Elizabeth Powell at 530-283-3611 or visit the Plumas Rural Services website at www.plumasruralservices.org.
Plan to join the celebration and see how much fun can be had right here at home!
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| NANA’S MASHED TURNIPS…mmm good! |
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INGREDIENTS
- 1 large turnip, peeled and cubed
- 3 white potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon white sugar (optional)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Place turnip and potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover, and bring to a boil. Cook 25 to 30 minutes, until tender. Remove from heat, and drain.
- Mix milk, 2 tablespoons butter, and sugar with the turnip and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Mash until slightly lumpy.
- Transfer turnip mixture to a small baking dish. Dot with remaining butter. Cover loosely, and bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove cover, and continue baking about 8 minutes, until lightly browned.
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July 2002
From the Publisher
By Eileen Majors
Big Changes at the Magazine
What a year and a half it has been here at Mountain Valley Living Magazine! We have gotten to know so many of the great businesses in our area and we look forward to promoting our region with great vigor. We couldn’t be more excited about the number of readers our magazine has attracted.
With our website going crazy too, as it has been, we have added an online store at shopnorcal.com. There, readers can take advantage of shopping for retail items from the outstanding merchants of Nor Cal. Visitors to the site can also browse through real estate listings or take advantage of special offers on travel to the north-state. It is brand new but the list of items offered is growing fast and we expect that most businesses with knowledge of the internet will see this as a win-win situation. We foresee outstanding potential for Nor Cal merchants to attract new online business and for extending the opportunity for their seasonal customers to shop them year round.
That’s not all that’s different around here. We will now be publishing eight magazine editions per year, instead of twelve. Inside each issue, besides our usual, local magazine, we will be adding a special section to explore deeply one aspect of our fascinating area. We have some very informative and exciting editions planned for the upcoming year, so don’t miss out on a single issue.
We will continue to publish monthly during the summer months, with bi-monthly editions planned for September through April. The magazine will contain all of the usual stuff, adding pages for special featured themes. The September/October edition will feature our fabulous fall and contain a special section with all kinds of great ideas for winter preparation and energy conservation. November/December will be our holiday exclusive with a special section of holiday recipes, crafts and traditions shared, plus a holiday gift guide.
If you have a business, you can benefit greatly from advertising in our new keepsake editions and by taking advantage of our web services. We have another big year planned and our new, larger magazines will cover a wide variety of themes. In the upcoming issues, we will have a winter sports guide, a comprehensive dining guide, a fabulous pullout on spring gardening, fishing, golf, lodging and more. We can’t thank you enough for picking up our magazine. We hope you enjoy all the new editions we have planned.
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A Mountain Valley Healing
  On Sept. 3 2007 I stood on my porch in Westwood, Ca and watched as flames crawled over the mountain into Moonlight Valley. Over the next several days, news media flocked to our small mountain community as those few flames grew into the mega
forest fire known as the Moonlight Fire. Reporters from many local and national news programs came to show the thousands of firefighters working to put out this blaze that consumed 65,000 acres of Plumas National Forest before it was finally contained on Sept. 15. Once the fire was contained, the media was gone. I was left wondering, what causes a mega fire and what happens after it is contained? I decided to find out.
My journey began with a ride through the burn on April 8 2008. Jason Moghaddas, Fire Ecologist of the Mount Hough Ranger District, was my guide on this educational tour. I thought the two of us a unique pair to share this ride. As I said, the fire started just outside my home town; however, Mr. Moghaddas was at the other end of this scenario. He and his wife, who was eight months pregnant at the time, were evacuated from their home in Indian Valley on Sept 5 as the fire threatened to consume their neighborhood. Our homes are about 20 miles apart through the woods, about 35 miles by highway. Jason’s home did not burn and he was allowed to return home on Sept. 12, when the evacuation order was lifted. Obviously, we both found the inferno far to close to home for comfort.
 As Mr. Moghaddas explained it me, this fire was the “perfect storm,” having many of the conditions that caused it to become so enormous and out of control. The main factors were: an abundance of fuel to feed the fire and dry hot weather with strong winds. Drought-like conditions in the 1980’s and the ever warmer and dryer trends in climate were contributing factors. Many groups and government agencies are working on ways to reduce the threat of these mega fires. Prevention, using defensible fuel profile zones, is a technique that is has been successful in some areas. You  can read about defensible space and the efforts to implement these zones at www.qlg.org. Mr. Moghaddas also explained that fire has always played an important role in the overall health the forest. Some forest plants, including the Manzanita shrub and Lodgepole pine tree, actually need fire to regenerate their species. The Lodgepole pinecone is tightly sealed by resin with the seeds inside and will only open when heated by fire.
Meandering around Indian Valley, we came across a crew of men removing the burnt dead trees from a private lot. I asked Mr. Moghaddas if the same kinds of clean-up would be used on the public lands of the National Forest. His answer was yes and no. Once a fire like Moonlight has been contained, the real work begins. First, the trees that present a hazard to roads, campgrounds and private property are removed. For reasons of limited accessibility, not all areas will be able to get cleaned-up. Some areas will only be accessible by helicopter, limiting what can be removed and replanted in those areas. The outer perimeter of the burn, where the loss of plant life and burn severity was minimal, will heal on its own with little or no intervention from the forest service. The areas where removal and replanting will occur won’t be visible for some time. Mr. Moghaddas explained: “You can’t just go to Lowes and buy 250,000 seedlings of Lodgepole and Ponderosa pine trees.” Seedlings are not somewhere in storage, but seeds are. While the Moonlight Fire was still burning, seeds were being planted to grow the seedlings to replant this area. The seedlings need to be two years old before they can be planted in the burn area. In the meantime, fighting soil erosion is a primary concern. Mr. Moghaddas showed me several areas where rice straw was spread to prevent whole hillsides being washed away by the spring thaw run-off. In these areas, the severity of the burn was high and everything burned clear to the dirt, leaving nothing in these natural watersheds to prevent erosion. It became obvious to me that the healing process will be slow and that parts of the burn area will remain changed for centuries. I parted company with Mr. Moghaddas, feeling like I had just seen my own backyard for the first time. I have since spent many hours reading about fire suppression, defensible space and the human role in forest fire. I suggest anyone, who lives in or visits forested areas, take the time to read a few things at www.fs.fed.us and at www.qlg.org. There is also a very informative movie available called The Greatest Good, produced by the U.S. Forest Service, that is available for rent or sale at pbs.org.
The Plumas Fire Safe Council is an organization whose mission is “to reduce the loss of natural and manmade resources caused by wildfire through pre-fire activities.” This organization meets monthly and the minutes and agenda can be read on their website at www.plumasfiresafe.org. I encourage everyone to visit this site. Homeowner consultation forms are available on the site. This organization helps homeowners answer critical questions about fire safety and fire insurance, such as: If your home is saved but your entire yard or acreage burned, will your insurance cover the cost of removing and replacing the dead trees? If lightning started the fire, is it an “act of God”, and therefore not covered by your policy? As a forest resident myself, this site really showed me how much I didn’t know about my own fire safety. Fire is, after all, the biggest natural disaster we face here in our Northern California home. Please visit your local fire safe council and protect yourself and your property.
I took a second ride through the burn, this time going the back way by dirt road. I just wanted to drive through the heart of the burn and take it all in. This roughly 20 mile drive from Westwood to Indian Valley is by far the best cruise to take to see the burn. It is a drive I will make again and again to monitor the healing of my forest home. You get a clear view of the difference in the severity of the burn in different areas. Seeing for yourself helps you have a clearer understanding of why fuel accumulation and fire suppression are such concerns. I found it interesting that Mr. Moghaddas’ new daughter will be able to take this ride throughout her life and see the new forest that will always the same age she is.
 I ran into Theresa Winningham and her two grandsons, Sage age 3 and Cole age 5, that day, out for a first ride on their new Rhino 660. Adorable little Cole pointed up at the mountain and told me that “a big fire burned the mountain up.” Mrs. Winningham and her family lost about 7 acres to the Moonlight Fire. She was out that day showing and teaching the boys about fire. I was touched by the fact that it isn’t only the forest that is healing…..the people are healing too.
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By Eileen Majors, Publisher
I couldn’t help grabbing this quote from noted comedian Larry the Cable Guy, after listening to a radio talk show on a long road trip I took recently. The gentleman speaking had written an entire book about some hero who, with nothing but an ox-goad, killed 600 and saved a whole country in the process. The odd thing was that all of his research material was summed up in less than 50 words available on the subject he had chosen to write about. He knew no more than this and yet he managed to write a whole book, by doing just what his book suggests others do:
1. Start Where You Are.
2. Use What You Have.
3. Do What You Can.
Now that seemed to be a piece of advice worth chewing on. The more I gave it thought, the more I realized just how easily this three step process could really be applied to any situation.
The author talked about how easy it is to say “when I have this….” “I will do this…” It is easy to put our goals and future successes in the back of our minds to think about until we are ‘ready’ to proceed.
His advice….. move! I like that. I admit I usually am the one to run ahead on an idea just a little bit early, and sometime so fast, I could easily sail right past the reason I began in the first place. Luckily, it usually all seems to work out.
I have a friend who says we are always in the right place at the right time, so just enjoy what you are doing now. Live in the moment.
That is all good with me as long as I can be running simultaneously down the sidelines on some big mission. What is it with me? I’m not sure, but I enjoy it and I do like this new version of advice.
The author encourages others to first assess what they have to work with, and to think about how they can best use the resources available to achieve what they desire. That I will try.
I haven’t bought the book yet. Once again, I ran right past that notion with the good intentions I got from the advice on the radio show. I’m still planning to buy the book and the google search sparked my interest all the more. If you want to check it out, It is THE THREE SUCCESS SECRETS OF SHAMGAR By Pat Williams and Jay Strack with Jim Denney.
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS by Leslie Wall, Plumas Rural Services
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS… It’s About Time
Community Connections is a Time Banking service. Time Banking was created in the 1970’s by Edgar Cahn. The concept is simple: every member of a society has value and has unique skills and talents that are needed within their community. Members create a list of the types of volunteer services they are willing to exchange with others. One hour of service earns one time credit, regardless of the activity; all members and services are equal.
In Plumas County, Plumas Rural Services is proud of the community-building success of their Community Connections program, and is looking at a multitude of growth opportunities for the future. Offered county-wide, the program is expanding membership and available services every week.
Community Connections is based on four core values:
• ASSETS Everyone has assets. The real wealth of a community is its people. Everyone, regardless of their age, income level, or education is valuable and has something to offer to others.
• RECIPROCITY The impulse to give back is universal. Whenever possible, replacing all forms of one-way acts of helping with two-way transactions, means that “you need me” becomes, “we need each other.”
• REDEFINING WORK We must redefine work to include whatever it takes to rear healthy children, preserve families, make neighborhoods safe and vibrant, and care for the frail and vulnerable.
• SOCIAL CAPITAL People require a social network that is as essential as roads, bridges and utility lines. Social networks require ongoing investments of individual time and talents.
Community Connections is for everyone! Junior members provide such services as pet sitting, garden watering, and computer instruction to adults. There are currently over 170 different services available to members of Community Connections!
When a member requests a service, a Service Opportunity Announcement is sent out. Members respond to announcements and decide which services they are interested in. When a member completes a service, they report their hours and earn one time credit for each hour of service. They now may use their earned time credits to receive a service from another member.
The cost of adult membership is $20.00, with an annual renewal fee of $5.00. Local groups, agencies and businesses can also benefit from member services by becoming a program sponsor. For a donation of a minimum of $100.00, they are eligible to request volunteer services. They receive assistance on their activity or event and the member earns credit for the time they provide.
For other communities interested in starting their own time banking service – Plumas Rural Services recommended using the link to Time Banks USA at www.timebanks.org or www.tbusa.org.They have starter kits and lots of useful information.
To get more information on becoming a member or sponsor in Plumas County, contact the program Coordinator, Leslie Wall, at 530-283-3611, or visit www.plumasruralservices.org/Community Connections.
2009
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By Eileen Majors
You don’t seem to hear much about it these days and in questioning a few folks about it, I found that traditions of May Day have escaped the celebrations of many because they’ve never even heard of it.
The beginning of May has long been an important moment in the astronomical calendar as it marks the end of the winter half of the year in the Northern hemisphere. As the days steadily grew longer, with trees and flowers coming into bloom, and with cattle being led out to pasture again, it is not surprising that this was a time of celebration for agricultural cultures. Indeed, there are many similarities across the  traditions, throughout several countries, including themes of plants, fire, and fertility.
Dancing around a Maypole and leaving surprise baskets of flowers seems to be the most common celebrations existing today. A Maypole is a pole with several long ribbons adhered to the top. Participants grab a ribbon and circle around the pole to celebrate the arrival of the season.
I can remember celebrating as a small child, the tradition of delivering surprise baskets of flowers. On the first day of May we would gather up fresh flowers from the yard and make a basket of some sort to hold them. I can remember using plastic strawberry cartons one year and weaving baskets out of construction paper strips another year, to hold the festive bouquets. We would then leave the basket on the door step of our neighbor, ring the door bell and RUN!
It was fun then and I can only imagine that such a festive gesture would still bring smiles today. You may consider having the kids make a few May Day baskets to take to a nursing home, or you might enjoy giving them to older friends and relatives who probably will remember having made them as children themselves.
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Cooking Club – Hands on Culinary Classes are now available at Stella’s, the new cooking and dining facility at The Cedar House Sport Hotel in Truckee, California. Hands On Classes with some of Tahoe’s best chefs: Chef Johnny McCabe, a private chef at Lake Tahoe for 16 years will offer light hearted, no stress classes, according to organizers. Prices range from $60 to $75 per person.
MAY CLASSES:
5/3: Gourmet Meals in Minutes
5/5: South of the Border Tapas
5/7: Tastes of the Napa Valley
5/12: Introduction to Indian Cuisine
5/14: Introduction to the French Bistro
5/17 Healthy Cooking Your Kids will love
5/19: 1-2-3 Cooking at Home
5/21: Hors d’Oeuvre Boot Camp
5/24: Creative Dim Sum
5/26: Simple Thai Cuisine for Everyone
5/28: Tapas: Spain’s Small Plate Delights
5/31: Breakfasts, Brunches and More!
Cedar House Sport Hotel is located in Martis Valley, a few minutes outside of downtown Truckee, California. They can be reached at 530.582.5655. Please tell them Mountain Valley Living sent you.
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Submitted by Lassen Aurora Network -
 Ride for Recovery on Bizz Johnson Trail Capture the wilderness experience of Lassen County; its pine scented forests and fresh mountain air on the Bizz Johnson Trail Sunday, May 17, 2009 in Susanville, California. This fun-filled family equestrian adventure is sponsored by Lassen Aurora Network in partnership with The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), Lassen County.
This equestrian trail ride, Ride-for-Recovery fundraiser, takes the rider along the spectacular Bizz Johnson Trail located on the Eagle Lake Ranger District of the Lassen National Forest, from Devil’s Corral Rd. to Goumaz. The ride is a total of 12 miles round trip along a beautiful, pine forest trail with Goumaz being the six-mile mark where authentic Mexican cuisine will be served, entertainment by Sam Williams and Cindy Tamietti, cowboy poetry and prize drawings will be happening for the riders and  participants before heading back to Devil’s Corral. The registration fee is $35 for adults and $25 for children.
For more than fifty years, our country has celebrated May as Mental Health Awareness Month to raise consciousness about mental illnesses and the importance of mental wellness for all. The Lassen Aurora Network, a client-run, nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering the message of hope in recovery needs your help. Through peer support and wellness programs, Aurora is dedicated to battling the stigma, shame and myths surrounding mental disorders that prevent so many people from getting the help they need. Lassen Aurora Network represents a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation – everyday, and in times of crisis.
 On the Trail at Ride for Recovery on Bizz Johnson Trail The Lassen Aurora Network’s program combines prevention services with a full range of support services to treat the whole person, with the goal of self sufficiency for those who may have otherwise faced homelessness or dependence on the state for years to come. Other innovations address services to underserved populations such as traumatized youth and isolated seniors. These successful programs, including prevention, emphasize client-centered, family focused and community-based services that are culturally and linguistically competent and are provided in an integrated services system.
The Ride-for-Recovery challenges participants to raise money for Lassen Aurora Network by acquiring one dollar or more per mile in sponsorship donations. Drawing prize tickets for chances to win items from local merchants will be awarded for every $25 raised. A special participant category – Ghost Rider – has been added this year for people who wish to participate in the donation drive and attend the event, but are not riders. All benefits and criteria apply.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. on Sunday morning. Early registration is encouraged to help with event coordination. To get to the registration point; turn right onto Devil’s Corral Rd., seven miles west of Susanville on Hwy 36, and go across the bridge. Participants must provide their own horses.
To register for the event or for more information call Lassen Aurora Network at 530-257-3864 or email us at HYPERLINK “mailto:lassenauroranetwork@frontiernet.net” lassenauroranetwork@frontiernet.net.
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MVL to Offer Web Store
In a world where the web is taking over in many areas of commerce, we are ready to present our Mountain Valley business partners to the world! We have enjoyed Ben Graham’s web design for the past year and until recently we had not noticed what a great job he has done! Curious, with web calls coming in, I contacted Ben to find out how many people were hitting our website, I was shocked. We were bringing in 60 – 70,000 hits per month…. EXCEPT for the month I had actually advertised the website in the magazine. In that month, it was 136,000 hits. I immediately began to advertise it monthly and we are way back up again with OVER 175,000 WEB HITS IN March alone! What a great way, we thought, to ensure our success and for our Mountain Valley Merchants to sell more stuff! So… we are putting together a catalog of very cool stuff from Nor Cal. With no up front cost to our partnering merchants, the store will also be promoted in full color in the magazine.
If you have ‘cool stuff’ to sell, contact us at 530-256-2800 to ask for product restrictions and more details. As a partnering merchant, we’ll post it, advertise it and do our best to sell it for you. Let’s build an inventory and begin
promoting it!
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PRESS RELEASE
Date: May 7, 2009
Subject: GWC Partners files DBA
Contact person: Ken Donnell- 284.7708,or 230.7842
Plans to create the Greenville Wellness Center took a step forward when GWC Partners, the local group planning the project, filed their DBA with the Plumas County Clerk-Recorder on Wednesday, May 6, 2009. Project plans call for the now vacant Indian Valley Hospital to be remodeled, and then leased or sold to GWC Partners who will operate a private Health & Wellness Center that includes a fitness center, thermal baths, health education services, plus massage and other pain relief therapies. Overnight accommodations will also be available for out of area “health tourists” who want to get their pain relief at the same time they enjoy the beautiful scenery and small town atmosphere of the Indian Valley. The next public meeting regarding the project will be the IV Healthcare District quarterly Board meeting on Monday, June, 1, 5:30 pm at the I.V. Civic Center on Main St. in Greenville. Anyone wanting more information on the Greenville Wellness Center Project can telephone 284.7708, or email greenvillewellness@yahoo.com
photo (above) – left to right: Ken Litchfield, Josie Litchfield, Oliver Litchfield (2 yrs), Dan Litchfield, Judy Johnson, Ken KD Donnell
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Winter Storm Preparedness
Tips from Ace
Winter Weather Preparation
Take steps to make sure your home is properly insulated and sealed.
* Insulate walls and attics to conserve heat and energy.
* Weather strip doors and windows to protect against drafting air.
* Install storm windows or use plastic sheeting to cover windows.
* Use all-weather caulk to seal around window frames, door frames and other openings on the exterior of your home.
* Stock up on firewood, pellets or the fuel used to heat your home.
* Insulate pipes, especially those near exterior walls of your home.
* Winterize your vehicle, which includes snow tires or chains, if necessary.
* Keep plenty of extra blankets in your home.
* Ensure that every member of your family has a hat, scarf, gloves or mittens, warm coat and water-resistant boots.
* Create a supply of water (at least one gallon a day per person for three days) in the event pipes freeze.
* Assemble a disaster kit that includes but is not limited to a First Aid kit, battery powered radio and lamps, supply of fresh batteries, drinking water, canned food and non-electric can opener, extra blankets, etc. Click here to view a full listing of suggested emergency items.
* If you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages due to severe winter weather, consider purchasing a generator.
During the winter storm
* Stay indoors, leaving your home only for emergencies.
* If you must go outside, walk carefully on snowy and icy ground, and wear layers of warm clothing and cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
* Stay tuned to weather broadcasts> to keep abreast of storm details.
* Keep your cellular phone charged.
* If pipes freeze, remove insulation and wrap rags around the pipes to absorb moisture during thawing.
* Do not use a blow torch to thaw frozen pipes; slow thawing works best to prevent pipes from bursting.
 Winter Weather Recovery
* Take frequent breaks when shoveling to prevent injury or heart attack.
* Equip your car with blankets, a shovel, battery-operated radio and lamp. Inform others of your planned route and take a fully-charged cell phone with you.
* Stay clear of downed power lines.
* Continue to monitor weather forecasts and conditions – do not be lulled by the serenity of the “winter wonderland” outside your home.
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RAISING STUDENTS Sierra Style
By Louise Biggs, Upward Bound Coordinator, Feather River College
Just like families everywhere, colleges and universities are facing smaller budgets. For the first time, California may be limiting the number of freshmen who will be admitted to the CSU/UC system. This trend is likely to continue for the next several years. During a recession, planning for your student’s higher education becomes even more important.
Middle school parents who are serious about a college education for their student are talking at the dinner table about careers, colleges and a six year plan to achieve these goals. It isn’t too early to check in with a school counselor about resources. Eighth grade has been called the “new 10th grade.”
In California, college bound 7th graders should be ready for pre-algebra to complete the course work recommended for admittance to a university after high school graduation. That means you, as a parent should look seriously at state assessment scores as early as 3rd and 4th grade to determine if your student will need any additional help in the core curriculum. You want to see “Proficient” scores on the California Standards Tests taken every spring. If your student is scoring at “basic” or below in math or English-Language Arts, talk to your school counselor. Many offer after school help for students. Public libraries are another place to go for tutoring, often for free.
The good news is there are specific programs, such as Upward Bound, ETS, Gear-Up and AVID, which offer help to encourage and support students in their quest for a college education. Most require an application, and students will be required to attend meetings or classes. Again, you will need to ask your school which programs are available to your student. There are numerous benefits to these programs. One will be the help you and your student receive when it is time to apply for scholarships and financial aid for college. They are well worth your student’s time now.
Parents also need to spend time on school. Studies show students who have parents actively involved in their education are those most likely to succeed at college. Pick a club to volunteer time in. Volunteer to take a turn carpooling your student and their friends to games and club activities. Don’t just join PTA and the Booster Club; pick an event to volunteer for. If you model how important school is, it is likely your student will feel the same. If you are already doing these things, THANK YOU.
Finally, focus on grades. The student with a 3.75 GPA and above will have a much better chance of selecting a college instead of settling on one. Get to know your student’s teachers. Let your student know grades are important and are earned; all work must be completed on time. Check their homework instead of asking if it is done. Host study groups, and space for group projects in your home. If your student is earning great grades, encourage them to take more difficult course work, honors classes, AP classes, even course work through a community college or on-line. Minds are meant to be stimulated. All of our futures will depend on great minds working together to solve very difficult issues.
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