When people ask me how do I stay so young I tell them “I don’t stay young – I stay active.  You can’t fool the calendar;  my birthdays come around like everyone else’s.”

Do I have a secret?  I think it is that I have stayed actively involved — with my community, with people of all ages, and for the causes that are dear to my heart.

Leisure World, and its type of retirement living, may be ideal for some, but not for me and my husband.   To us it seemed an artificial life.  I don’t want to disparage golf but aside from its health benefits and a better tan, what do you have at the end of many years spent on the links?  We wanted to live in a real community, where  there is a mix of people with different backgrounds and different interests; a place where kids are born and grow up.  And we found it in the beautiful mountain valleys of Plumas County.

My story is a familiar one to many retirees.   For much of our married life my husband’s job and mine took us into different fields.  He worked a swing shift, I had a day job.  I would have weekends off  while he often had to work.  So when we retired we had the happy experience of doing things together.   We shared the household chores so we could be out and about –  doing what mattered.

And what mattered?  We discovered that the Greenville AARP  was not only busy with the Senior Nutrition program but was a prime supporter of the local hospital and the schools.  The AARP also played a big part in re-opening the Taylorsville Pool, since re-named the Indian Valley Pool.  Now, every summer the pool is host to aerobics for seniors and a place where kids  can splash and play, but more importantly are taught  to swim!  And we were active in the successful campaign to secure safe water for the people of Greenville.  The community now owns and operates the water system.

My husband and I had always been active in civic affairs; now as retirees we saw the need to be informed  about Social Security and In-Home Supportive Services.  Some good things and some bad things were being enacted in Congress and in our own state capital, and there were letters to write and petitions to be circulated.  Interestingly enough all these activities put to use some of the skills we had used in our work-a-day life and led us to learn new ones!

And of course  there is family!  We were not as fortunate as some of you to have children and grandchildren living in the area but we took every opportunity we had to be with them , traveling as far away as Saudi Arabia to welcome a new granddaughter! And we took advantage of Plumas County’s many camp sites when different members of the family were able to come here!

Sadly, since my husband’s death four years ago, I no longer have the partner with whom I shared this active  retirement, but the ties I made in the community have sustained me.  I know too many men and women who are unprepared for widowhood, who now find it difficult to get out of the house.  How much better it is to get involved with people now, in the church and in the community around you.

No, we can’t stay young, nor fool the calendar — but we can  make our present life preparation for the years ahead.

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Susanville, CA – The Lassen National Forest hired a four-person Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) crew this summer to work on Forest projects.  Due to declining budgets and other work priorities, the Lassen has not had a YCC crew for many years.  When an opportunity came to apply for program funding this year, Forest Fire Chief Lorene Guffey volunteered to manage the program, and Forest staff selected the projects.

Once funding was secured and project work was identified, the hiring process started.  After the random selection process was completed, successful applicants were Larrisa Clark, Sean Domondon, Alex McConnell, and Kelsey DeRose.  All of the enrollees are from the Susanville and Janesville areas.  The crew started June 7 and worked until July 30.  During that time, the crew built fence around wildlife guzzlers and campgrounds, learned how to split cedar rails, removed ladder fuels to lessen the impact of wildfire, installed erosion control barriers, and completed trail maintenance on part of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).  On another project, they were joined by the Tribal Youth Conservation Crew from the Susanville Indian Rancheria to repair the entry fence at Camp Ronald McDonald.

When the crew was asked what made the biggest impression on them, Domondon said he “enjoyed building the fence at Willow Lake where they had to cross the river several times.”  He went on to say, “It was hard work, but we got it done.”  Clark liked working on the fence around the wildlife guzzler.  The fuel reduction project stands out for McConnell, who said “I liked seeing the difference in the area after we removed the ladder fuels.”  DeRose stated she enjoyed doing trail maintenance on the PCT.  As a hiker herself, she could appreciate the need to keep the trail safe and in good condition.

All crew members agreed they valued the opportunity to learn about the variety of resource management activities of the Forest Service because it gave them some ideas for possible careers options.

“The program would not have been successful without their crew supervisor, Mo Suarez,” Guffey said.  “Suarez’s primary job is range management on the Eagle Lake Ranger District, but his Ranger was willing to loan him for the eight-week program.  His knowledge of the Forest, resource management, and how to safely and effectively get projects accomplished made my job easy,” Guffey added.  Suarez got a lot of satisfaction from teaching the crew how to safely and effectively work on the different projects, including how to use the variety of tools needed for their completion.

The Youth Conservation Corps is a summer employment program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Forest Service and by the U.S. Department of Interior – both Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service. Since 1970, the YCC program has operated as a work-learn-earn program for youth as provided for in Public Law 91-378, 1970, as amended.

The three main goals of the YCC program are: 1) to accomplish needed conservation work on public lands; 2) to provide gainful employment for 15 through 18 year old males and females from all social, economic, ethnic, and racial classifications; and 3) to develop in youth participants an understanding and appreciation of the nation’s natural environment and heritage.

The YCC program is designed to prepare America’s youth for the ultimate responsibility of managing the nation’s natural resources for the future.

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• Games provide families with simple fun-filled ways to spend quality time together.
• Games require players to exercise their intellect.
• Playing games provides opportunities to challenge and develop strategic thinking skills.
• Games teach life skills like patience, concentration, teamwork, honesty, making choices and perseverance.
• Games teach kids how to win and lose graciously.
• Family games provide hours of family fun! One of our favorites is Yahtzee! It helps kids learn to add and can be played by kids of any age with a little help from the scorekeeper.

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by Sedona

8 medium zucchini

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Cut ends off zucchini and cut in half lengthwise, then in half again.  Place in glass baking dish. Press 2 cloves garlic and drizzle it with olive oil over zucchini spears. Drizzle with Balsamic vinegar. Stir and let marinade (if possible) for 2 hours or more. Start your barbecue grill on  low/med heat. Lay them out on the grill. Cook about 5 min on each side, until brown and tender.

Return grilled zucchini to the balsamic mixture and serve.Everybody in our family loves it!

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1/2 cup finely grated carrots

1/2 cup raisins, craisins or dried dates
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup dried pineapple, finely chopped
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup rolled oats
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 and 1/2 cups regular Cheerios

Combine egg, honey, brown sugar and butter.
Mix well adding raisins, walnuts and pineapple.

In a separate bowl combine flour, oats, and cinnamon.

Add this to wet mixture and stir until everything is wet. Fold in Cheerios.

Drop mixture onto cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes or until cookie is firm.

Makes about 30 bars

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Mural’s Facelift Complete

Susanville, CA – Nearly a month after its closure, the Eagle Lake Ranger District on the Lassen National Forest has re-opened the Osprey Overlook Trail to visitors.  The area had been closed to ensure the safety of both the public and the contractor during restoration of the water tank mural.  Scaffolding platforms had been in place that enabled local artist Janet Fraser Dickman to reach the tank and complete the restoration of the ten-year-old mural.  Additionally, because the paint Fraser Dickman used dries quickly, it was imperative that she not be interrupted during the work.

Fraser Dickman used 190 custom-mixed colors to restore the Osprey Overlook water tank mural.  She enjoys creating public art and says she got “carried away” with this mural.  “This is kind of my Sistine Chapel,” Fraser Dickman admits, but she also points out that because of the water issues and the sweating concrete of the tank, it’s the trickiest mural she’s worked on.  Murals require regular maintenance as they weather due to exposure to elements such as wind, sun and moisture.

Funds for this project are courtesy of the Lassen County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) via Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000.  Funds from this Act benefit resources on national forest lands or private lands adjacent to national forests.  If you have any questions about this project, please contact Resource Officer Julia Everta at (530) 257-4188.

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Makin’ Pizza Pie! All kids love pizza and they will love making their own. Lay out some whole grain English muffins opened on a cookie sheet (foil line it for easy clean up). Mix up a can of tomato sauce with garlic salt and Italian seasoning (to taste). Grate jack or mozzerella cheese and place in a bowl. Fill several bowls with healthy sides such as thin sliced vegetables including mushrooms, olives, diced broccoli, spinach and a favorite cooked meat such as ham or ground beef. Now let the kids spread on some pizza sauce with a spoon, sprinkle a little cheese, add ingredients, and cover them with a bit more cheese.  Mom or Dad can pop them into the oven at 375º for 7 minutes, then to broil at 450º for a minute or two, until slightly brown. Cool and serve.

Rice Pudding: Heat leftover whole-grain rice with chopped apple or raisins, nuts and cinnamon with a dash of sugar sprinkled on top.

Dipping is Fun! Vegetables do taste good when you dip them in a favorite salad dressing. Try a sweet poppyseed dressing or some ranch. Give each child their own small cup of dressing as double dipping may be a reality. Cut vegetables in thin slices and in sticks for easy dipping and ease of eating.

Whole Grain Pinwheels: Spread a whole grain tortilla with low fat cream cheese. Sprinkle with finely chopped: olives, carrots, celery and mushrooms. Now roll it up so you have one long roll. Now slice the roll in 1/2″ pieces; lay them out on a platter. Spread a dab of cream cheese and top with an olive slice. Perfect served with small cups of 100% juice or with an herb tea party.

Often when kids get grouchy, it is because they are hungry or thirsty or tired. Have some of these snacks on hand to make snack time fun. When traveling or out doing errands, be sure to pack water and snacks. It will make for a much happier time.

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Welcome to Susanville, CA….Jerry Bird,who has been selected as the new Forest Supervisor for the Lassen National Forest.  His Forest Service career began as a seasonal employee in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on the Superior National Forest. He has since served in many areas including the Lassen National Forest as well as Idaho, Montana, Missouri and recently in Cadillac, Michigan.

Bird is enthusiastic about his new position.  “I’ve been aiming my career towards Forest Supervisor, and having been on the Lassen previously; I knew what a great place it would be to work.”  He added that he is very impressed with the Lassen and surrounding communities.  He will be joined shortly by his wife, Kim, an artist interested in becoming active in the local art community.

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Visit Old Town, Chester on September 1o and October 8 for
An Almanor Basin Street Party.  Music by Dave Manning in September and 8 O’Clock Jazz, in October.  You will also find delicious food, great arts and crafts, farmer’s market, Lake Almanor merchant booths, and visitor information.

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By Melissa Wynn

A visit to the Sierra is sure to find you near a sparkling lake, bubbling brook or peaceful forest pond.  Where there is crystal clean water there is sure to be the playful North American River Otter. North American River Otters are semi-aquatic mammals, with long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. They have wide, rounded heads, small ears, and nostrils that can be closed underwater. The fur is dark brown to almost black above and a lighter color below on the belly. Their throat and chubby little cheeks are usually a golden brown. River Otter fur is dense and soft, effectively insulating these slinky swimmers in our cool mountain waters. The feet have claws and are completely webbed. These wiggling weasels build dens in the burrows of other mammals, in natural hollows, such as under a log, or in river banks. Dens have underwater entrances and a tunnel leading to a nest chamber that is lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. North American River Otters prefer the solitary life except during the late winter to early spring mating season. Births occur from November to May, with a peak in March and April. Females give birth to 1 – 6 young called kits, with an average of 2 to 3. They are born with fur, but are otherwise helpless. They open their eyes at one month of age and are weaned at about 3 months old. These comical critters are known as playful animals, exhibiting behaviors such as mud/snow sliding, burrowing through the snow, and waterplay. Many “play” activities actually serve a purpose. Some are used to strengthen social bonds, to practice hunting techniques, and to scent mark. North American River Otters get their boundless energy from their very high metabolism, which also requires them to eat a great deal during the day. Fishing is their specialty, so the easy pickings of a stocked fishing pond nearby often find them to be quite a naughty neighbor. These otters normally hunt at night, but can be seen at all times of day. River Otters enjoy an extensive diet including amphibians, fish, turtles, crayfish, crabs, and other invertebrates. Birds, their eggs, and small terrestrial mammals are also eaten on occasion. North American River Otters perceive their environment through vision, touch, smell, and hearing. Their large and abundant whiskers are very sensitive and are important in tactile sensation. These whiskers are used extensively in hunting, as smell, vision, and hearing are diminished in the water. Few creatures are as entertaining to watch as our forest friend the frisky, funny faced North American River Otter.

facts courtesy of animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu

photo by: BigStockPhoto.com

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IS IT TIME TO MAKE CHANGES IN YOUR BUSINESS? Consider this. If you continue doing business the same way you are now, you should expect to continue achieving the same results.

HOMETOWN SHOPPING HABITS STRENGTHEN SMALL ECONOMIES

This year has brought uncertainty to businesses across the country and our mountain valley region is certainly part of that picture. Striving for hometown shopping habits can really help our little economy survive. We urge you to get out and meet some of the local merchants you may not yet know and discover all the really great buys there are around here! With the holidays right around the corner, we have the opportunity to make a big difference in our local communities by spending dollars locally. Anything we can all do to keep a few more dollars circulating in the area will be a big help!

WHAT’S NEW?

Al and Joy Robbins, owners of Robbins House of Furniture and Carpet One in Susanville, recently returned from the World Market Center in Texas. Yes, you’d expect it to be big, but consider this:  The annual furniture show houses everything manufactured in home furnishings in its five million square feet of displays!  Al told us that unlike most company stores that display one brand, they carry a wide variety, including three of the top selling brands, Ashley, Lane and Flexsteel. “We live in our homes. We want them to be cozy and comfortable,” he said, noting that urban dwellers often consider their homes more of a showplace.

ANNUAL FLEA MARKET-Robbins House of Furniture big annual Flea Market will have a new twist this year. According to Al Robbins it will feature a Rotary Auction at 1:00 on Saturday, September 11^th with all the treasures Rotarians have brought from their attics, and garages. The Flea Market is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10, 11, 12.

HAD YOUR TIRES SIPED? No, not “swiped,” siped. Ron Horton, owner of Les Schwab Tires in Quincy tells us this special technique is designed to provide better traction, and tire life in addition to improved braking and a smoother ride. Ron tells us that new or used tires can benefit from the procedure done by a specially-designed machine which creates tiny, virtually invisible cuts in the tread. He added that both the Quincy and Susanville stores are able to perform this service. Stop by, and ask for details.

THE PERFECT WEDDING! Eveyone wants one, but where? How? Ask Sara Patrick at Greenhorn Guest Ranch near Quincy how she makes hundreds of guests feel “at home on the range” on their beautiful grounds. Accommodations include 110 rooms, plus RV spaces, and “tent city” accommodations. Vistors from the world over return each year to enjoy the peace and quiet, along with many activities including horseback riding, swimming, dining, and so much more.

MOVING INDOORS  Norm and Jeannie of La Casa Bella Fine Furnishings in Quincy recently returned from market. They have a wonderful collection of home furnishings and accents from around the world with new arrivals all the time. Fine tablecloths, throw pillows and soy candles are just some of the fun items you will find amongst the furniture at La Casa Bella.

REAL ESTATE BARGAINS – For those who have been considering that second home in the mountains or a move in our direction, this is a great time to explore the mountain real estate market. Check out the real estate section at the end of this magazine and check our realtors’ websites at shopnorcal.com or mountainvalleyliving.com; just click on real estate. You will find plenty of properties and some really nice realtors. Tell ‘em we sent you!

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photo courtesy of Sierra Safari Zoo

Kalika

Several years ago I watched a program on TV about a big cat called a liger. I was intrigued that science could create a new  species from a father lion and tiger mother. When I learned that The Sierra Safari Zoo at 10200 North Virginia St., just North of Reno, NV had one of these amazing hybrids I just had to go see for myself. Her name is Kalika and she is a beautiful example of her kind. A deep golden coat tells of her lion heritage while the faint stripes on her back and the darker stripes on the legs and tail resemble that of her tiger relatives. Although she is still just a cub she is nearly the size of the lioness that also calls the Sierra Safari Zoo home. Kalika will continue to grow until she is about 6 years old as all ligers do making them the largest of all big cat species. Just as people are a bit like both of our parents, so it is with the liger. These ferocious felines enjoy the water like the tiger but also enjoy the company of others  akin to the prides of lions. Kalika is a true curiosity you have to see up close to appreciate. Sierra Safari Zoo is a small zoo but that is all the better for a more intimate visit with the wide variety of animals found here. There is a large open area where Fallow and Sika Deer wander free and sunny employee Jessica Lloyd gives out ice cream cones full of feed so visitors can pet and feed these small deer while wandering among them. Several species of birds and reptiles add color and creepy to the mix on your tour of Sierra Safari Zoo at your own pace. The huge silver male Hamadryas Baboon is definitely king of his cage and is in quite a fence-shaking mood since his two newest children were born. I must say that there are few faces more adorable than that of the baby baboon. Perhaps the Vervet monkey that is due soon will give them a run for the money. I had a great time meandering among the peacocks and sitting next to the turtle pond. Camels and zebras, lemurs and coatimundi are just a few more of the captivating critters to be enjoyed the  at the charming Sierra Safari Zoo. Visitors and groups are welcome 10 am to 5 pm daily April 1st thru October 31st. Birthday parties are welcome by reservation. For more information visit their website at www.sierrasafarizoo.org or call 775-677-1104.

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Melissa | Mountain Valley Living Magazine

Walley's Mtn View

In the sprawling, green Carson Valley surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains I found a getaway designed purely for relaxation and stress relief. My brother Cody and I had spent a busy day in Carson City  and decided to treat ourselves to a night at  David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort and Spa just twenty minutes south on US Hwy 395 near Genoa. The sun was sinking as we pulled into the huge complex that boasts 211 timeshare and nightly rental units, professionally managed by Trading Places International. The towering mountains in the distance were bathed in golden light and a vague half moon hung lazily in the cloudless azure sky. Several small cabins replicated from the pioneer days stand opposite the Spa and the original stone, vine covered bathhouse like an old western movie set. Today’s six spring-fed hot tubs and 80 degree swimming pool are at the end of a long history that began in 1862 when David Walley first discovered these steaming gifts of nature. The original stone pool is right where David and wife Harriet built it all those years ago. Although no longer in operation, these relics made me wonder what it must have been like to be the first to soak in that tiny tub amid those sweeping panoramic views of the emerald Carson Valley. I’m sure a natural hot bath in those days must have been a discovery second only to gold. After exploring the historic side of David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort, Cody and I strolled the beautifully manicured grounds in search of the check-in desk. We wandered over the waterfall bridge and past several more buildings before finding cheerful Desiree Jones behind the desk in the main lobby waiting to check us in. The minute I entered our one bedroom suite I was again impressed with the beautiful views. We spent a long while on the balcony enjoying the flowers and the turtle pond near the covered picnic area below. The Spa and soaking area close for the night at 9:30 so we had to drag ourselves inside to get ready. Once I took a minute to really look around I realized that if I wished I could have a full self serve pampering right in my suite. The king bedroom was complete with TV, desk and built-in sauna. DVD player, stereo, huge TV and pull-out sofa left Cody good to go in the living room with the full kitchen steps away. Subdued sandy walls and a leafy motif gave the suite a muted quiet feeling but the gem of our unit was the bathroom. That’s right, the bathroom. Not only did it have a huge closet and vanity, the tub/shower was like nothing I had ever seen. The jacuzzi tub had jets and bubbles in several speeds. Nice.  10 different spraying heads in the shower made it more like the human version of the automatic car wash. Oh yeah. As if that weren’t enough this amazing bath also had 4 speakers of surround sound and a television built into the shower walls. Why were we going down to the hot spring tubs? Actually I was glad we did because the pool was great at the end of a long hot day and there is little more therapeutic than a soak in a steaming hot springs. Maybe a Swedish Massage, Salt Scrub or Power Recovery Wrap at the full service spa. A soak in the springs is complimentary to all Spa visitors be they day visitors or overnight guests. All owners and overnight guests are free to use the soothing facilities at anytime during business hours. We soaked beneath the stars until the very last minute before returning to our lovely suite to slip easily off to dreamland. David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort and Spa was a blast and is definitely a see-to-appreciate kind of place. They are open year ’round but do not provide soap, coffee or other incidentals, so remember to pack your whatnots. Reservations can be made and current rates are available by phone at 1-800-368-0216 or online at www.davidwalleys-resort.com. Go to Walley’s and pamper yourself—life is short!

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Moonlight Burn

On behalf of our staff and all our forest dwelling readers Mountain Valley Living would like to thank CDF and their noble firefighters that risk their lives on a daily basis to protect our beautiful woodland home. One year after the September 2007 Moonlight Fire devastated the residents of Indian Valley I visited several areas in the burn area with Jason Moghaddas, former Fire Ecologist of the Mount Hough Ranger District. My tour was an eye-opening education in the seriousness of fire preparedness and the importance of maintaining a  defensible space around our homes. Flames from the Moonlight fire were visible from my own front porch on the day the fire started and I am eternally grateful to the brave men and women that protected my Westwood community from the suffering endured by the many Indian Valley residents that still have charred  and barren areas near their homes. In July of 2008 the heroic CDF crews fought the Rich Bar fire between Hwy 70 and Hwy 89 and saved the historic mining community of Seneca that was a huge part of childhood and is the resting place of my father. Once again I was so thankful for the hard work and sacrifices made by the CDF staff. I sometimes called CDF four or five times a day to check the status of the Rich Bar fire and was always treated with kindness and sympathy by a helpful and informed lady on the other end of the line. She even came to know my voice and called me by name, letting me know she genuinely understood my concerns. From the telephone to the forest fire front lines the employees of CDF go above and beyond the call of duty. Acknowledged and appreciated CDF, from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!

Moonlight Burn

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Moving to the Susanville area in 1990 has had its advantages for artist Norma DeBaker.  Here she has expanded her love of art by attending classes in ceramics, glass design, pottery and sculpture. She is quickly becoming locally recognized for her multi-cultured hand sculptures, masks and ceramic figurines, silver-wrapped dichroic glass jewelry and fused glass art.

Norma began drawing Disney characters as a young child of 7, and went on to win art competitions.  Encouraged by her mother in her love of art, she studied commercial, medical, and fine arts in Texas. Moving to California, she received her first career opportunity in the arts by working for GE as an illustrator in their Nuclear Energy Division.

She and her husband and son moved to Alaska during the building of the pipeline where she continued a full time job illustrating for the U.S. Department of the Interior in public affairs. Norma also expanded her career by becoming a freelance artist, creating murals, brochures, displays and other technical art and by teaching classes to children and adults while illustrating children’s books on the native culture.

DeBaker and her husband have built a home in the Elysian Valley of Janesville where she continues to create the art she loves.  Past accomplishments include the Westwood Agriculture Display, Lassen Capitol Display, Sacramento State Fair Display, Bilingual Brochures for the Department of Health and Human Services, and window designs for local businesses.  Currently you will find her work at Artisan Coffee in Janesville and Studio I Salon and Juwanna Tan in Susanville.  She also exhibits from 4-8 pm at the Janesville Farmer’s Market, located in the parking lot of Artisan Coffee, each Tuesday through September. If you missed her this summer, watch for local holiday art shows, call her for private showings at 530-253-3681 or set up a show in your home featuring Norma DeBaker’s art.

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A country watched all day in horror as police and firefighters responded to the danger without hesitation, as they do every day within the communities they serve all across the nation. I feel so fortunate to live in this beautiful area and it is sheer pleasure to honor the officials and officers who watch over our close knit communities. We are protected by city and volunteer firefighters, city police, California Highway Patrol  and  local sheriff’s offices. We are further protected by the California Department of Forestry and the US Forest Service. Our nation is protected by many local residents who have pledged to serve in the armed forces. To all of these, we extend our thanks.

For those of us who have experienced a fire camp in our own little town, filled with hundreds of men and women put there to protect our forests and our very towns from disaster, our appreciation deepens.

For any who have experienced the pain and loss of a loved one due to an auto accident, you may also know how it adds to one’s degree of respect for the men and women who patrol our highways.

For any more whose families have been affected by other means of pain or violence, there are always those in uniform who have been there to not only do their job, but to lend compassion as they bring peace and security to a situation. In those instances,  a deeper sense of thankfulness becomes known.

For any others whose loved ones work in the defense of our country, at home or on foreign soil, you know the pride and honor associated and shared by your communities, a degree of honor which also grows for the people who know you.

We are a small community who tends to know our local heroes personally. I hope you will join us in somehow paying tribute to these local heroes as it is with great appreciation and honor that WE  SALUTE THEM ALL.

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In Quincy, a collective of artists, both member and consignment, along with their patrons all work together on a non-profit basis to create the Main Street Artists Gallery located at 436 Main Street in the Clinch Building.  The Main Street Artists work in all media and are featured in group or individual shows throughout the year in the main portion of the gallery, while the other artists continue to exhibit in a separate part of the building.

Co-directors Lara Eichenberger and Carla De Boer love to keep the gallery interesting and always changing.  In September, a two week show will feature Tammy Masters, Jane Strohmaier and Norma Lewis in a joint showing of their life drawings  in various media. An artist’s opening reception for them will be  September 3.  A second opening, on September 24 will feature the concrete sculptures of Greg Kinne and the collage boxes of Beth Aitken in a joint show.

A web page featuring all 34 artists can be found at www.mainstreetartists.net. Or you can learn more about further openings by going to www.plumasarts.org and going to their calendar page.

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Are you ready for an evening of western dance and BBQ featuring the Stone and Straw Band from Chester, California? On Saturday, September 4, The Graeagle Lions Club will be presenting its second annual “Hoedown-At-The-Barn”  at the Corner Barn, Blairsden/Graeagle.  A no-host beer and wine bar opens at 5:30 pm followed by a New York steak dinner with “all the trimmins ” at 6:00 pm.  The evening concludes with western music and dancing, including line dancing, with door prizes, raffle prizes and more.  Tickets are $24 a person.  For more information and tickets call 836-0118.

The Lions Club is a service organization which promotes vision health through providing access to eye examinations and glasses to needy school children and seniors, and collects used prescription glasses for distribution worldwide with the help of licensed eye physicians.  The Graeagle Lions Club provides funds for these causes and additionally gives scholarships to Portola High graduates, awards grants to Eastern Plumas Food Bank  (EPCAN), Project Santa, Horses Unlimited, Portola Library’s “Books on CD” collection and other worthy causes.

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I love it when people from the city come to visit our mountain valley area. An air of relaxation seems to overcome them. It is obvious they have chosen this time to escape from their busy lives and relax to a simpler tune, for a time anyhow. I can remember making the trek up the mountain with our old truck (to the sheer delight or our five year old son), every weekend for several months before taking the big leap and moving here. It was pretty cool summer and winter to stay with Uncle Chuck.. We romped in the woods. We swam. We got firewood. We shoveled snow and we always ate well. Potlucks and friendly neighbors were plentiful. I really did like this laid back lifestyle.

I literally cried my way up the hill though, on that day I left my ‘citified’ life in Concord, CA. I had traded it all for a rugged ride into a quiet mountain life.  I was immediately anxious though: what was next as I left the hustle and bustle of my busy life which included  a 40 hour week and a commute to boot? Time had been clicking by mighty fast with never enough to go around. Was that so bad?

Then suddenly I had arrived in this tiny little town, without even one stoplight where, it seemed to me, time had stopped. Talk about relaxing to a simpler tune, I went from my extremely busy, multi-tasking lifestyle to walking to the post office every day in hopes of mail from ‘home.’ I didn’t get much although I do recall having so much time that I baked cookies and mailed them to my friends in oatmeal boxes. I indulged in bike rides and taking walks and even learned how to play tennis and can fruits and vegetables thanks to my friend Shirley Foltz (now of Susanville) who had also traded in her busy Concord life.

It was not long until several more of our Concord friends (including my sister with her family, and my parents) were also drawn to life here in the mountains. I have always likened it to high school, where everybody knows each other. There is nothing like the way people accept each other as they all live together in communities not necessarily separated by income levels or other status. It would be hard not to also mention the beautiful lakes, streams and adventures we found to experience through this mountain life, indoors and out! All four seasons are welcomed and experienced to the fullest, it seems to me, probably because there is just a little more time here. Without a doubt, this is ‘home’ now. I have noticed over the years that while some people come and go, they usually still consider this ‘home.’ It is easy to do. It’s easy to fit in. It’s hard to keep secrets but there is nothing like a small town that acts like family.

I will never regret my decision to  give up the city life, even though it meant giving up some security at the time. Raising kids mountain style is an experience I am thrilled and proud to have had a part in, and grandkids, all the better. Come for a weekend or come for a lifetime but take a little time when you can, to relax to a simpler tune.

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It is once again time to consider those late summer and fall landscape projects.  These tips will hopefully save you a few bucks and some time in preparation for next year’s landscape season.

If you have been contemplating contacting a landscape contractor, now is the best time to do so. Planning for next year’s landscape should start now.

It’s also time to take advantage of the fall sales that nurseries typically have and purchase those trees, shrubs and plants you’ve been wanting.  In addition, fall is a great time for planting just about anything.  Planting now allows the plants to adjust to the soil and other conditions before going dormant.  Fall planting also provides for a more established landscape come spring and early summer… so you’ll be able to enjoy and relax when summer arrives.

Prepare your lawn for next season by aerating and fertilizing in the fall.  Now it’s time to give your lawn the nutrients it will need to survive the cold months ahead and spring back to a beautiful green once the spring snow thaws.  The holes created by aerating allow your grass to receive extra oxygen, fertilizer and water.  Also, don’t forget to get those leaves off the lawn during the fall and winter months.  A spring lawn trying to grow underneath a blanket of leaves will tend to struggle into the summer months.  If you are interested in installing a sod or seed lawn, early fall is a great time to get this done.  Just like fall planting, fall lawn installation will give your grass a jumpstart come spring.  A little extra time spent on your lawn this fall will pay great rewards next landscape season.

Make sure your irrigation system is properly turned off once the weather becomes consistently cold and the temperature routinely drops into the 30s.  As a landscape contractor, an unfortunate amount of our spring phone calls are for irrigation systems that froze during the winter and are now creating big spring headaches.  Turning off your irrigation clock is the first step, but making sure the water source to your irrigation system is turned off is the most important step.  If you are unsure or have questions regarding the proper techniques for successfully turning off your system for the winter, call your local landscape contractor.

Late summer and fall are great times to either start a few late season landscape projects or prepare for a successful spring landscape season.  Whichever it may be, get out there and take advantage of the cooler days and better deals that you can get from nurseries and landscape contractors.  If anything, take some time and enjoy the fall colors your landscape has to offer and bask in the tranquil beauty of your surrounding flora.

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Eileen | Mountain Valley Living Magazine

Chuck and Ray Weeks of Oroville, Ca. showing their catch in the fall at Lake Almanor. This is the kind of fishing people can expect in the spring and fall.

Dick Mason runs a fishing guide service by boat on local lakes. During the off season at Almanor, Eagle and Butt lakes, he spends time at Lake Shasta.

I had a tough time finding good old Dick Mason to get any fishing information this month because he’d been out fishing Eagle Lake every day. When we finally caught up with him, we found out he was about ready to change directions for September.

His favorite lakes to fish in the fall are Almanor and Butt, though you will still find him up at Eagle Lake now and then. Dick cautions that this year Eagle Lake is low and boat access in the fall is best on the north shore.

Fishing in Almanor really starts heating up in September according to Mason, when he first heads out to the east shore. During the first phase of fall, Mason usually ends up between the Benton House and the Dorado Inn which are both located on Eastshore’s Highway 147. Boat access is free at two public ramps on the west shore. The first is located on Highway 89 at Canyon Dam. The second can be accessed through the Forest Service campground  near Prattville by taking the Almanor Drive West turnoff  from Highway 89. Canyon Dam is the closest to the Dorado and Benton House. Dick said that around Labor Day is usually when he heads that direction to take his fishing clients. He says to fish 35 to 40 feet deep and recommends using lures such as Needle Fish, Speedy Shiners and Ex-Cel. Also effective is using a threaded night crawler. Another option is to use a piece of a threaded night crawler behind a Seps Sidekick. This time of year your efforts should produce plenty of big fish.

“When we get some good hard frost, usually by late September or early October, I move up to the north end of  the lake to fish in shallower water (20′ to 12′deep),” said Mason. Late September and October are Dick’s favorite months, by far, for local fishing. “While Almanor generally produces more rainbow trout, at Butt you will see more German Browns in the mix,” he told us. At Butt Lake, launching is also free at the Ray Adams Memorial Boat Ramp. “There are a few more snags,” he cautioned, “so you may lose some gear.”

With lures, you should be at a fast troll (approximately 2.7 miles per hour). With night crawlers, a slow troll (about 1 mile per hour) is best.

Good Luck! If you are a stream fisher or fish other lakes in the region and have knowledge to share with our readers, email editor@mountainvalleyliving.com.

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Eileen | Mountain Valley Living Magazine

Photos courtesy The Great Reno Balloon Race

Eileen | Mountain Valley Living Magazine

The 2010 Great Reno Balloon Race takes place September 10th – 12th.

This event includes on-field and off-field competitions as well as a “Glow Show” planned for 5 am on Saturday and Sunday. This is one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the country. You have to get up early to see the best stuff, but it’s definitely worth it. Before the light begins to dawn, balloons are fired up and glowing across Rancho San Rafael Park. The park encompasses 600 acres just northwest of downtown Reno. For spectators, the event starts on Friday, September 10th with the mass ascension launch of over 100 hot air balloons scheduled for 6:45 am. Events are planned for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The event is located at Rancho San Rafael Park at 1595 N. Sierra St. in Reno, Nevada

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Portola, Calif. – Union Pacific’s Passenger Department in Omaha gave approval to allow the first ever excursion train to bring passengers to the 28^th Annual Portola Railroad Days Festival on August 19-23, 2010.

This year’s Railroad Days celebrates an historic event very important to the growth and development of Portola and  the entire Feather River region.  The date coincides with the 100^th year anniversary of the first Western Pacific passenger train operating between Salt Lake City and Oakland and will travel at the same day and hour, one hundred years following that first train ride from Utah.

This year’s event is so historic that a PBS film crew will be in the Portola area for a week,  filming a TV show called “Tracks Ahead” which is very popular and is shown on over 200 stations around the United States and several countries, including Europe.  This program will include the Portola Railroad Days Festival, Western Pacific Railroad Museum and the Feather River Express.

The first train 100 years ago carried all of the railroad’s high management, press and VIP guests.  After departing Salt Lake City on August 20, 1910 it departed Portola for a run to Oroville with a stop at Hartwell, which is now called Quincy Junction.  Here all guests transferred to a Quincy & Western Railroad excursion train for the five mile trip to downtown Quincy to take part in a massive celebration complete with a parade.  Later in the afternoon, once passengers were back onboard at Quincy Junction,  the first passenger train continued on down the Feather River Canyon to Oroville.  On August 22, 1910 the last leg of its 925 mile journey was made between Oroville and Oakland.  All the way to the Bay Area the train was met by thousands of well wishers who came out to welcome new passenger service to their communities.

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