September 2021, Volume 1
Reach Out - Connect - Take Part

Be kind to us, September

Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Relief Funds

Clint Koble, Advisor - Sierra SBDC

Following are links and information about various disaster relief funds currently available. For any questions or assistance, call Clint Koble, Advisor - Sierra Small Business Development Center; Clint.koble@gmail.com; (775) 843-4081.

Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans to repair or replace private and business property from the Dixie Fire. This is a straight-forward FACT Sheet to disaster assistance from the SBA. The same FACT Sheet will describe Economic Injury Disaster Loans for business losses due to the Dixie Fire.

The State of CA has authorized $1.5 billion in additional funding for the CA Small Business COVID-19 Grant Relief Program to cover COVID-related financial losses in 2020 vs 2019.  There are two grants to apply for:
  • Non-Profit Cultural Institutions:  Must be a 501 (c) 3 non-profit in the business of Art Dealership; Dance Company; Performing Arts Center, Museum; Historical Site, or  Dinner Theater. Applications from August 27, 2021 - September 8, 2021.  Https://carereliefgrant.com.  See Round 8.
  • CA Small Business COVID-19 Grant Relief Program for small businesses that suffered financial losses in 2020 vs 2019 due to COVID-19.  Https://carereliefgrant.com.  See Round 9.  Applications begin September 9, 2021 thru September 30, 2021.  This will most likely be the last round; please apply on the starting date.

Please contact Clint Koble for more information or assistance. Clint lives in Lake Almanor and he serves Plumas, Lassen, and Modoc Counties. The Sierra SBDC offers free one-on-one small business counseling, assistance in getting financing, and assistance in writing your business plan. Go to sierrasbdc.com; open the Home Page; click on Apply Now and fill out the appropriate information boxes.

For FREE seminars and class sessions, go to sierrasbdc.com; open the Home Page; click on Trainings; register for the session of your choice.  Sessions are FREE.

Grant Applications Available

Susan Bryner TAF ED, David Little, NVCF VP


The Almanor Foundation and North Valley Community Foundation are joining forces to award grants to organizations for Dixie Fire relief and recovery.

For more information on Dixie Fire relief, how nonprofit fire organizations can apply for grants and how to donate, visit The Almanor Foundation online at https://almanorfoundation.com/wildfire-relief-fund or NVCF at https://www.nvcf.org/dixie-fire-grant-program

Both sites link to a single grant application. Organizations should apply only once, through either site.

Disaster Relief & Dixie Fire Information

Plumas County Dixie Fire Resources
Please Click Here.

Plumas Crisis & Intervention Resource Centers

Quincy: 175 Main St, (530) 283-5515: Resource mitigation
Portola: 165 Ridge Street, (530) 832-1827: Resource mitigation
Loyalton: 513 Main Street, (530) 993-1237: Domestic violence help
24/7 Crisis Line: (877) 757-0029
Mental Health Crisis Line: (530) 283-6307

Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. Resources
If you were affected by the Dixie Fire and are displaced from your job or need help with employment, training, or assistance applying for unemployment, call (530) 283-1606 or email afwdcontact@ncen.org

Current Evacuation Map
Please click here for the most current evacuation map


DIXIE FIRE INFORMATION
Information line: (530) 538-7826
Media line: (530) 588-0845
Incident website: Click here

For more information on the Dixie Fire go to the following links:

CAL FIRE https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents

USFS Information https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7690/ 

Damage Assessment Maps

Dixie Fire Structure Status Map (CAL FIRE)
https://tinyurl.com/2m9en9t4

Recovery Information

Plumas County Recovery Information
https://tinyurl.com/c8c8s5rd

Plumas County Resources:

Town Trivia is Back!

This week’s sponsor is B&B Booksellers with a $10 gift certificate for the winner.

Answer: In 1932, Adelaide and Fred Smith opened and operated this popular resort for 20 years. 

Please email your question to trivia@lakealmanorarea.com

If interested in being a sponsor, please contact katherine@sansoneplus.com

Please note: only emails received after release of Town Chatter Wednesday am will be considered.

Welcome to our Newest Chamber Members


At the Branch
Chris Chavez

Almanor Girl
Catherine Altenburg

Five Star Bank
Jon Gregory
jcgregory48@gmail.com

Forever Home & Outdoor
Josh & Christa Herman
foreverhomechester@gmail.com

Pizza Factory of Chester
Michael and Laura Kincaid
CHESTER@PIZZAFACTORY.COM

Watkins Pet Supply
Michelle Watkins
michelle@watkinspetsupply.com

About Us

The Town Chatter is made possible through the funding of our Community Partners:

Collins Pine
Coldwell Banker Kehr/O'Brien Real Estate
Rouland Insurance
Seneca Healthcare District.


Chamber Board Meetings are at 8:30 am on the 2nd TUESDAY of each month in the Chamber office at 278 Main Street. All are welcome. Zoom is available.

Lake Almanor Area Chamber
530.258.2426
278 Main St., Chester
P.O. Box 1198  96020
Info@lakealmanorarea.com


www.LakeAlmanorArea.com

Bits & Pieces

Carol's Cafe Benefit for Greenville & Canyon Dam
Saturday, September 11, 2021 | 3:00-6:00pm
Chester Park, CA
$20 per person
Buffet, Adult Beverages, DJ Steve Lawson, Dancing
Free admittance for all Greenville or Canyon Dam residents showing ID
Please reserve your spot by clicking on this link, calling Carol at (530) 616-9007 or Brittney at (530) 260-1853. 


Chester Wellness Center Open and Accepting Donations for Wildfire Victims
The Chester Wellness Center is accepting donations between the hours of 10:00am-3:00pm Monday-Friday for Dixie Fire victims. Please donate fall/winter clothing, brand new underwear and socks in all sizes, blankets, sleeping bags and canned food. 

Mt. Lassen Community Church Ladies Seminar
Faith Refined by Fire with guest speaker Dr. Kathy A. James
Saturday, September 11, 2021
Mt Lassen Community Church - 200 Main St. Chester, CA
9:00am ~ 2:00pm
Bring your own sack lunch; coffee, tea, water, fruit & cookies will be provided
Cost: FREE; Limited space ~ R.S.V.P. by Sep 8th via email: info@mtlassencommunitychurch.org
or call (530) 258-3005.

U.S. Post Office and Sept. 14th Election Update
If you have not received your ballot for the Sept. 14 election, please call the Plumas County Elections Office at (530) 283-6256 or email elections@countyofplumas.com.

Samaritan's Purse U.S. Disaster Relief 
Samaritan's Purse is working with homeowners in the area. This is a free service provided to homeowners who have little or no insurance. Requests are handled upon need and volunteer availability. For assistance with the Dixie Fire or to volunteer, please contact (530) 855-0426. Lake Almanor Community Church, 2610 Plumas County A13.

Events Canceled
9/4 Lake Almanor Peninsula Arts and Crafts Faire
9/11 Annual Street Rod Extravaganza - refunds will be issued soon.


For daily (and sometimes hourly) news and information, please visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lakealmanorarea
 

Farmers Market Community Outreach Tomorrow

Farmers Market Community Outreach
Thursday, September 2, 2021
4:00-7:00pm, Chester Park


Join us tomorrow at the Farmers Market with a bit of a twist. Below is a list of vendors, organizations and businesses that will be present: 

Organizations
Billy Graham Chaplain's Ministry
Collins Pine
Lake Almanor Area Chamber
Lake Almanor Elks Lodge #2626
The Almanor Foundation
Tiny Pine Foundation
Rouland Insurance
Samaritan's Purse
Westwood Calvary Chapel

Vendors
Alldrin & Sons Alaskan Salmon
Almendra Winery/Distillery
Annika Peacock
Baja Vaca Farms
Carol's Cafe
Jeffroe's Produce
Julia's Produce
Kona Ice
Lake Almanor Life
Merry Morsels
Rejoicing Recycler

Grab a slice of pizza on us!
Featuring Pizza at the Branch, Pizza Factory & Tantardino's
Brought to you by generous donors:
Collins Pine
Coldwell Banker Kehr/O'Brien
Lake Almanor Elks Lodge #2626
Lake Almanor Area Chamber
Lake Almanor Community Foundation

Grab a drink at the Bar Cart
Featuring beer and Sincere Cider. All proceeds go to The Almanor Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund. 

 

Open for Business


*
If you do not see your business on this list, please email info@lakealmanorarea.com to let us know and we'll get you in next week's newsletter.

Restaurants
Almanor Argentine Grill
 - Opening Friday, Sept. 3rd from 11:00am- 3:00pm
Buffalo Chips Pizza - 7 days a week 11:00am-8:30pm
Carol's Cafe Prattville - Friday-Sunday 7:30am-2:00pm
Coffee Station - Monday-Saturday 7:00am-1:00pm
Cravings - Thursday - Monday, 7:00am-2:00pm
Karen's Deli at the Branch & Gas Station - 7 days a week Gas Station: 6:00am-7:00pm, Deli: 11:00am-7:00pm
Kopper Kettle - 7 days a week, 6:00am - 8:00pm
Tantardino's - Tuesday-Saturday 11:30am-8:00pm and Sunday 1:00-8:00pm
Plumas Pines Resort - 8/27-8/29, 9/2-9/6, Thursday-Sunday for the rest of September. 11:00am for lunch, 5:00pm for dinner
Pine Shack Frosty - Reopening 8/27 11am-4pm, free shakes for fire personnel
Pizza Factory - Tentative Reopening 8/27; 7 days a week Sunday-Thursday 11:00am-8:00pm, Friday-Saturday 11:00am-9:00pm

Other 
Almanor Physical Therapy
A Balanced Touch - massage & wellness studio, Tues, Thurs- Sat
Ace Hardware
Almanor West Golf Course
 - Opening Friday, Sept 3rd.  ProShop will be accepting tee times starting Tuesday, August 31st. 
Ayoobs Intermountain Hardware
Bailey Creek Golf Course
Big Springs Resort - 
Opening Sept. 2 for cabin and RV rentals
Builder's Supply
Chester Public Utility District
Coldwell Banker Kehr/O'Brien Real Estate

Collins Pine 
Dollar General
Dr. Eric Dunbar, DDS
Forever Home & Outdoor
 - Open starting Thursday Sept. 2 - Saturday 9:00am-4:00pm
Gather Home - Wednesday-Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Holiday Market 
Little Shop of Nails

Rouland Insurance Agency
The Giggling Crow - 
Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm
The Sports Nut
Tom Wallick Pottery and Rock Shop
Turner Excavating, Inc.
Universal Electric
Sage Creek Insurance
Seneca Healthcare District
Sierra's Fly and Tackle - 
Mon-Sat 7:30am-5:00pm & Sun 7:30am-2:00pm.
Singleton Auman
Slusher, Inc.
Sunshine Flowers
Watkins Pet Supply
 Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm and Sat 10am - 5pm
Womack Construction

Labor Day Fun Facts

Katherine Sansone

The idea of a Labor Day Celebration first became public in September 1882 when trade unions and labor movements were at their peak. The unions of New York City decided to have a parade to celebrate their members and to show support for all unions. 20,000+ people were there, and workers had to give up a day’s pay to attend. There was also a lot of beer involved in the event, which hasn’t changed! 

Peter J. McGuire, a carpenter, a union leader and a co-founder of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, the largest trade union of that time has been credited as the “founder” of the first Labor Day parade, there are conflicting stories that it was Matthew Maguire, a machinist, from a rival union. A Dept. of Labor historian still doesn’t know which man should be credited partially because of the confusion over their similar-sounding names.

In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law that was voted in by U.S. Congress to designate the first Monday of September as “Labor Day” making it a federal holiday. It is the 7th federal holiday voted in by congress.


Labor Day is the unofficial end of Hot Dog season. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council says that between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Americans eat 7 billion hot dogs.

And the biggest dilemma . . . can you wear white after Labor Day? It was considered a fashion faux pas to been seen in wearing white since it meant you were still “vacationing at the summer cottage.” Many Americans still follow this rule and bring out their “whites” Memorial weekend to stay cool through the hotter summer months.

Seneca Healthcare District Updates

Chelssa Outland, PIO

Seneca Healthcare District Visitation Guidance 

August 30, 2021 - Seneca Healthcare District has implemented updated visitor guidelines according to California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance in response to recent COVID-19 surges. 

Every visitor, regardless of vaccination status, will be screened for fever and COVID-19 symptoms. A well-fitting face mask is required to be worn upon entry and at all times within the facility. 

All vaccinated visitors will be required to show proof of vaccination using one of the following methods: 

• Covid-19 Vaccination Record Card (issued by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control & Prevention or WHO Yellow Card which includes the name of the person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided, and date last dose administered); OR 

• a photo of a Vaccination Record Card as a separate document; OR 

• a photo of the client's Vaccination Record Card stored on a phone or electronic device; OR 

• documentation of COVID-19 vaccination from a healthcare provider; OR • a digital record that includes a QR code, that when scanned by a SMART Health Card reader displays to the reader client name, date of birth, vaccine dates and vaccine type. 

Please bring your photo ID for verification of identity.

All unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated visitors must provide documentation of a negative SARS-CoV-2 test where the specimen collection occurred within 72 hours of each  visit. The following will be required: 

• The test results must be available at the time of entry to the facility. • The test can be either an antigen or a PCR test. 

• Visitors need to make their own arrangements for testing through a primary care provider or obtaining an at-home test. SENECA WILL NOT BE PROVIDING THIS AS A COMPLIMENTARY SERVICE. 

Please bring your photo ID for verification of identity. 

Visitors who are visiting a patient in critical condition, in which death may be imminent, are exempt from the vaccination and testing requirements, however, must comply with all infection control and prevention requirements applicable for indoor visits, including COVID-19 screenings. 

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation! 

For those who would like to read the full guidance from CDPH please see https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/AFL-21-31.aspx 
 

Seneca Healthcare District SNF Residents Return Home 

8/30/21 - After 27 days of being evacuated due to the Dixie Fire, Seneca Healthcare Districts (SHD) Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) residents have returned home. Seneca evacuated our SNF residents on  August 3, 2021 due to the evacuation status of Chester. Over the past month our staff have  gone above and beyond to care for our residents at an alternate location. Seneca is excited for our residents and staff to be home and safe.  

Seneca has already received questions regarding visiting our residents. Due to an increase  in active COVID-19 cases in the state, California Department of Public Health has released  new visitor limitations and guidance that Seneca has implemented to protect our patients  and staff. This requires every visitor, regardless of their vaccination status, to be screened  for fever and COVID-19 symptoms; and to wear a well-fitting face mask upon entry and at  

all times within the facility. Proof a vaccination is required for all vaccinated individuals.  For all visitors that are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated, documentation of a  negative SARS-CoV-2 test where the specimen collection occurred within 72 hours before  each visit is required. Please see our full release on Visitor Limitation Guidance for more information. www.senecahospital.org/visitor-guidelines/

Courage Triathlon Has Become More than a Race

Katherine Sansone

The Courage Triathlon, September 11 at the Lake Almanor Country Club Rec I has become more than a fundraiser for Courage Worldwide benefiting victims of sex trafficking. “We are coming together as a community to cry, laugh, embrace, share and yes, celebrate that we are not allowing the monstrous Dixie destroy our community or victims of the fire and sex trafficking,” says Dawn Hirschberger, Ambassador for Courage Worldwide.

The race beings at 10:00am with a 2.9-mile run, continues with a 5.6-mile bike ride and ends with a 3.1-mile kayak race from Rec II to Rec I where the party will be happening with music from Forgery. Food, drink and snacks will be available from community organizations and businesses with some proceeds benefiting those effected by the Dixie Fire and for the long-term efforts to rebuild. 

“With the event being held on the 20th anniversary of 9-11, there will be an opening ceremony honoring the loss of American citizens and participants will be carrying an American Flag,” adds Jo Vice, coordinator of the event. “Though our beautiful area has been scarred, we always have much to be grateful for and doing it as a community, known for our spirit and strength, is what defines us.” For those interested in participating or volunteering please go to  https://courageworldwide.org/couragerun/triathlon/triathlon-event-info/

Almanor Fishing Report

Captain Rob Ayers

8/30/2021

Monday we reached a high of 85 degrees.  Forecasts say we should see a week of similar temperatures trending higher towards the weekend with calm mornings turning to typical afternoon winds in the double digits.  Smoky skies have been the norm with reasonably beautiful sunny days, or sunny mornings being mixed in as mother nature sees fit.

Water temperatures were 67 degrees today.  Holding steady for the last week and down from pre fire highs of 74 degree water.  The current lake elevation is reported down 4.2 inches this week.  The lake is reported down 4.18 feet from its highest point in June of this year.

Roads leading into the greater Lake Almanor basin are all affected one way or another by either active or recent fire.  The most reliable routes are highway 32 and 36. Highway 70 to 89 has controlled traffic.  Highway 36 from Susanville is still suffering closures.  Traffic from Susanville is getting routed to Highway 44 and down the A21, or Mooney road if you prefer.  Traffic into the area is generally becoming more reliable.

Fishing has been good.  All public boat ramps are currently closed.  Our public forests as well as the public campgrounds nearby are also currently closed.  Private boat launches are notably open at Prattville and Big Cove.  Fishing in the Hamilton Branch has been reported to be excellent.  Fishing on the fly or with bait are producing reports of large fish as well as large quantities of fish.  Be cautious to avoid fishing the Hamilton Branch river and stay in the lake section below the active water flow to avoid negative contact with law enforcement. Stationary fishing by boat as well as trolling are also producing quality fish.  Fishing pressure is notably light providing excellent opportunities for the adventurous angler.  Today we landed our largest rainbow of 22.5” near the mouth of the Hamilton Branch river cove trolling a Japanese pond smelt imitation down 22’ on the downrigger wire.

Many, if not most local businesses are open.  My wife and I dined last night at a local restaurant.  We were humbled and impressed to see staff who have lost their homes at work.  The resilience and perseverance of the local community is amazing.  Please stop in and appreciate their efforts.

Town Chatter - September 2021, Volume 1