Marc Nielsen, DO Has Rejoined Seneca Healthcare District
Chelssa Outland 
Seneca Healthcare District is excited to announce that Marc Nielsen, DO has returned to Seneca. Dr. Nielsen is working in the emergency room at Seneca Hospital. He started his shifts at Seneca in the late summer and has been a great addition to the team. We are excited to have him and wish him an overdue welcome.
Dr. Nielsen has been practicing medicine for over ten years and has affiliated with multiple hospitals throughout the area, including Seneca Healthcare District, Banner Lassen Medical Center, and Eastern Plumas Health Care. He comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience that we are happy to have contribute to our organization. Please join Seneca Healthcare District as we congratulate and thank Dr. Nielsen for rejoining the Seneca team!
Please note** Dr. Nielsen will be in the ER and is not taking over a family practice at this time.
Catch of the Week
Captain Rob 
10/04/2021
Five Star Bank's Jon Gregory [of Hamilton Branch] with a beautiful 8 3/4 pound Brown Trout. Jon is a new member of the Lake Almanor Chamber board of directors.
Disaster Relief & Dixie Fire Information
Questions About Electric Service When Rebuilding after Dixie Fire?
Visit PG&E’s Mobile Help Center in Greenville on Thursday, Oct. 7 to Get Answers
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is hosting a mobile customer help center in Greenville where customers can get in-person answers to questions about obtaining power while rebuilding structures after the Dixie Fire.
The mobile help center will be outside the Evergreen Market at 427 Crescent St, Greenville, CA 95947 on Thursday, Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting. Staff can answer questions and provide information on reestablishing energy services for rebuilt homes and businesses. PG&E representatives can walk customers through the process of getting temporary and permanent power, as well as ask questions about tree removals.
In accordance with PG&E’s guidelines to ensure customer and employee safety, PG&E employees will wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines. Customers impacted by wildfires who are going to rebuild or have questions are urged to contact PG&E early and apply for temporary power by visiting www.pge.com/cco or email rebuild@pge.com.
The deadline for Disaster Unemployment Insurance has been extended through November 30.
Phase II, Debris Removal & Property Clean-Up
Winter is approaching and Plumas County is working closely with CalOES to get those who qualify signed up for the Right of Entry to get their properties cleaned up. The Dixie Fire left a massive amount of debris to be cleaned up and you are encouraged to sign up and complete the Right of Entry form or contact Plumas County if you will be using the alternate program. There will be a deadline! Share this information with your fiends and family and help meet the goal of getting people signed up by October 15th.
Go to https://plumascounty.us/2880/Debris-Removal-Programs and reach out to Plumas County staff if you have any questions. They can be reached at (530) 283-7080, or by email at ROE@countyofplumas.com
Plumas County Dixie Fire Resource List
Click Here.
Disaster Relief Supplies Distribution - Chester Church of Christ
New items for fire victims. 1182 Warner Valley Road. Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 1 and 3 - 6.
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
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.
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
Katherine Sansone Town Trivia
Winner last week was Kathleen Copeland receiving a gift certificate from the Coffee Station with correct question: What is Drakesbad to answer: The original “guest ranch” that has a number of hydro-thermal features.
The week’s answer courtesy of Steve Fleming is: A lake turning over
Sponsor is the Coffee Station offering a $3 coupon.
Please send your question to: Trivia@lakealmanorarea.com.
Need sponsors! If interested, please contact katherine@sansoneplus.com.
New Article
From our neighbors at the Genesee Store. "We are so grateful to be open again and can’t wait to see you. We are taking reservations for the weekend!! Check out our website for our hours AND see what Chef Nate has in store for you on our new menu!" https://www.geneseestore.com/menu
Indian Valley Medical Clinic Re-Opens
Beginning the week of October 11, 2021, Plumas District Hospital will reopen the Indian Valley Medical Clinic. Services will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Elizabeth McGee DNP, AGNP-C PMHNP, Laura Orange MSN AGNP, and Wendy Flapan DO. A telehealth option will also be available. Patient demand will be assessed regularly to determine when additional patient care days are added. Blood draws will not be offered initially.
In partnership with Care Flight, ambulance services continue to be offered throughout the communities of Indian Valley. EMS resources are stationed near the Indian Valley Medical Clinic.
Plumas District Hospital’s Greenville-based Physical and Occupational Therapy Center is undergoing repairs due to fire damage. A reopening date is undetermined at this time. |
Bits & Pieces
FDA Approves Booster Vaccine for Pfizer
On September 22, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized a single dose booster shot for the Pfizer vaccine only. Studies suggest that protection against the COVID-19 virus may decrease several months after receiving the Pfizer vaccine. This lower effectiveness is likely due to a combination of waning immunity, the greater infectiousness of the Delta variant and changes in exposure to the virus. Click here for details.
 NEEDED: Community Input On Grant Opportunity For The Almanor Rail Trail
Please fill out ARPD's Survey Questions using the LINK below so that we can determine your interest, support and design ideas and then summarize them in the Grant Application. California State Parks wants these grant projects to have significant community input and support. The LINK is: Survey Questions for an Almanor Rail Trail Grant. Feel free to send the link to others that you feel support this grant opportunity. A paper version is available at the ARPD office (530) 258-2562.
 Almanor Fishing Association Raffle to be held October 9th.
The raffle was scheduled to be held at their annual picnic, on Saturday July 31st. Tickets are still available. The drawing will be broadcast live. Purchase your tickets on-line on the Fishing Association Home Page here.
COVID-19 testing times have been updated!
COVID-19 testing for symptomatic and asymptomatic persons who are seeking a test will be by appointment only Monday through Friday from 8:30-9:30 am and again at 3:00-4:00 pm. Results can take up to 3 business days. Patients can call the Lake Almanor Walk-in Clinic to schedule appointments at (530)258-2826. COVID-19 Testing Information - Seneca Healthcare District
Town Hall October 18, 2021 at 5:15pm.
The Lake Almanor Area Chamber will be hosting an in person and virtual town hall meeting next month to discuss updates on economic development, recreation development, infrastructure, and Lake Almanor area tourism. Stay tuned for updates on it's location. Come join us as we grow and rebuild together!
 For daily (and sometimes hourly) news and information, please visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lakealmanorarea
The Almanor Foundation News
Saturday's All Fired up And Kickin' Ash Fundraiser for Dixie Fire victims was a huge success. The response to the sold out event was unbelievable. Plumas Pines Resort thanks their friends, long time customers, local businesses and all who donated raffle prizes for the event. 168 racks of ribs were served at 16 booths with over 450 people in attendance. The goal for the event was $40,000 and the crowd present blew that goal out of the water. The event raised $7,200 for Plumas Pines Employees/families who lost homes and over $64,000 for The Almanor Foundation!
Hoondog's won First Place at the Rib Cook-Off. North Shore Campground won the People's Choice Award.
Dixie Fire Funders Have Grants Available
Are you an organization working toward the relief or recovery of victims of the Dixie Fire? The Almanor Foundation and North Valley Community Foundation working together with the funders roundtable have grants available to qualifying organizations. Click here for details and to apply for a grant.
 Wildfire Relief Committee Grants Awarded
The Almanor Foundation and North Valley Community Foundation meet every two weeks to review and fund grants for the relief and recovery for Dixie Fire victims. On Sept. 17, the committee granted funds to From the Ground Up Farms, Inc to deliver relief through gift cards & necessities to the Konkow Maidu. Click here to see grants issued to date by this joint committee.
To make a donation to The Almanor Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund, or learn more about our Wildfire Relief Grant Programs and Donors go to https://almanorfoundation.com/wildfire-relief-fund
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Katherine Sansone Breast Cancer Awareness Month
 It is one of the most recognizable symbols worldwide. Even NFL players “go pink” during October. Since 1985, October has been Breast Cancer Awareness month to bring attention and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among US women and the second leading cause of death among women after lung cancer with one in eight women diagnosed yearly.
A mammogram can help detect breast cancer early and increase the odds of successful treatment. The x-ray can produce images of cancer two to three years before it can be physically detected. The five-year relative survival rate is 99% when breast cancer is detected at an early stage, but only 26% for late-stage disease.
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For tech savvy, there is an app for breast cancer that comes with reminders that include the best times to exam your breasts.
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The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has expanded coverage and has given women access to preventive services, including mammograms with no out-of-pocket costs.
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Physical activity, though does not prevent breast cancer, The American Cancer Society recommends 50 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week (or a combination of these).
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Though it has been claimed that wearing a bra can increase the risk of getting breast cancer, there is no proof. (Quite sure Victoria Secrets is happy about that!)
Post Farmer's Market Update
Jennie Mathews and Jordan Russell 
Thank you all for your encouragement, support, and participation during the first annual Farmer’s Market at Chester Park! We learned a lot about this event and how it has impacted our community by bringing different parts of the Lake Almanor area, and beyond, together. With the talent of our local musicians, we were able to listen to creative and tasteful music bringing peace and life to our park. With the love of our neighbors, we were able to enjoy foods from different counties like Alldrin and Son’s fresh Alaskan Salmon based in Red Bluff, Guzzetti’s Indian Food found in Chico, and Julia’s Fruit Stand also from Red Bluff. But most importantly, we were able to enjoy our own local favorites like Jeffroe’s from Chester, Merry Morsels in Susanville, and Blue Ox Coffee in Westwood to name a few. With the help of the numerous organizations and vendors, our community was able to host a powerful, and joyous event for all of us to appreciate and hopefully continue next year. 
One of our most collaborative elements of the Market was the bar cart donations collected for a local high school student seeking to receive a college degree in Agriculture. So far, $698 has been counted and saved for this scholarship, and it was all thanks to you. In addition to raising scholarship funds, the market was a host for Dixie Fire relief efforts when residents were finally able to return to the area. A community member reported the farmers market was “... the Tonic that this town needed”.
Of course, if it weren’t for the help of Chester’s own Farmer’s Market manager and smooth bar-back Jennie Mathews, friendly and constant support of Jordan Russell, Bar Cart connoisseur and groovy dancer Mary Austin, special “treasure” and canopy professional Chelssa Outland, powerful cheerleader and quirky trendsetter Kristal Johnson, and encouraging director and novice drink sampler Susan Bryner, we wouldn’t have a market this year. This team of wonderful individuals volunteered countless hours, managed countless projects, lifted countless muscles, and produced countless smiles from start to finish ensuring a smooth operation for the market visitors. Thank you, hometown helpers!
From all of us at the Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce, see you next year!
Almanor Fishing Report
John Crotty 
Almanor Fishing Report
10/3/2021
We continue to see a steady decline in lake level, dropping four tenths of a foot over the past week. We are currently sitting at 4476.81’ two and three quarters feet lower than last year on the same date. Based upon past years lake level changes we can expect to see declines in lake level until early November at which time lake levels should begin to stabilize/increase. Clarity and temps remain unchanged from last week; we are not yet seeing the algal blooms that we experienced last year.
We have been in a typical fall weather pattern with cooler mornings and daytime temps reaching into the low 80’s. All is about to change with slight chances of showers beginning on Wednesday through the weekend. Thursday and Friday our predicted highs will be in the mid fifties and the lows in the high twenties. Air quality has been good.
Fishing has been good as fish continue to gorge on pond smelt. Trollers are catching fish using their preferred methods; slow rolling gulps/crawlers, pulling flies at 1.5-2 mph or fast trolling hardware. Find the bait and you will catch fish. Fish are scattered throughout the lake and water column. The fish are in great shape and fishing pressure is light.
Hamilton Branch fished well this past week as well, with bait and fly fishermen catching quality fish.
Launching remains a concern with both public ramps closed and most private ramps soon to be unavailable. Check with the local resorts for launching access. Be prepared for delays when traveling into and out of Plumas County; between road construction on the Fredoyner summit on 36 to hazardous tree removal on 36, 89 & 70 drive times could be impacted by hours Monday-Saturday.
I had the opportunity to fish Eagle Lake twice this past week, once with fellow guide Matt Goodrich and once with friends in my boat. Fishing was good both days we caught our fish trolling flies and grubs with all the fish caught in the top 15’ of the water column. I launched my 24’ Rogue Coastal without issue, we did back off the concrete ramp into the gravel, we took it slow and easy and winched the boat back on the trailer. Eagle Lake is a special fishery the fish fight hard and are fantastic table faire. Eagle is a fall/winter fishery and should only improve from here.
Dixie Be Damned!
Katherine Sansone 
Dixie Be Damned!
And what a celebration it was. A crowd of 100 guests came together to raise money for the Wildfire Relief Fund and celebrate their return home at Dixie be Damned, co-hosted by the Lake Almanor Community Foundation and Lake Almanor Country Club. Through the generosity of both those who attended and donations for those unable to join the festivities – drum roll please –$10,334.00 was raised! All monies go to those effected by the fire and to rebuild and revitalize our community.
LACF co-chairs Jessie King, treasurer and Katherine Sansone, vice-chair would like to thank Cheri McCrimmon and daughter Jamie who helped decorate; greeters, Barbara MacArthur and Joanne Ness; Russ Keaveney for the music and Dave May, the MC for the evening. We also appreciate both of them helping to “fill the boot.” A thank you also goes to the staff at Clifford’s, Michelle Branch, Jessica Jansen, Jamie Oetting and Nichole Upton, who prepared the food and managed the buffet.
New Chamber Board Member - Jon Gregory with Five Star Bank
Matt Staggs, Account Executive, CBS TV Stations & Lake Alman Jon Gregory is not only the Senior Vice President and Venture Banking Manager at Five Star Bank, but he is a new resident to the Lake Almanor Area after purchasing a home in Hamilton Branch. Like many of us, he has fallen in love with the rural beauty of Lake Almanor and has fortunately volunteered his extensive experience in working with start-ups, increasing economic growth, and establishing long lasting relationships that encourage entrepreneurial activity. 
Jon’s involvement as a new board member with the Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce couldn’t have come at a better time. As the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the recent Dixie Fire continue to impact the businesses in the Lake Almanor Area, the community could really benefit from the insights and leadership that Jon and Five Star Bank can deliver.
Shortly after Jon’s accepted nomination as a Board Member, I sat down with him to discuss his anticipated role with the Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce and what he expects to bring with background and ties with Five Star Bank.
Tell me about your background and how you got involved with the Lake Almanor Chamber.
“I like the challenge of finding ways to help all those small businesses and improve their net bottom line and opening more opportunities for their employees that live there permanently. My background fits in well with the chamber’s ideals especially since our community bank covers the Northern California area and is one of the most active SBA loan lenders in the United States and after reviewing thousands of business plans, I am looking forward to serving the Lake Almanor Area. I hope to have a chance to meet and share the capabilities of Five Star Bank with the business community and individual business owners.”
What upcoming Chamber projects are you looking forward too?
“The Town Plaza and Stover Sled Park are a couple initiatives that interest me and I look adding value to those efforts.”
What is your favorite part about living, working, and being involved with the Lake Almanor Community?
“Even though I am new, one of the things that I have found is that the people in the Lake Almanor Area are more authentic and willing to share a smile. In a small community, you are more likely to interact with your fellow community members than in the city, which I really like.”
To learn more about Jon and all the services Five Star Bank can provide, including their SBA Preferred Lender status, feel free to take look through their website at www.fivestarbank.com.
Sections of Lassen Volcanic National Park to Reopen October 4
Kevin Sweeney 
MINERAL, CA – Portions of Lassen Volcanic National Park that are unaffected by the Dixie Fire will reopen on Monday, October 4.
Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway will be open eight miles from the Southwest Entrance to Lassen Peak parking area and one mile from the Northwest Entrance to Loomis Plaza. The highway will remain closed to vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles between Loomis Plaza and Lassen Peak parking area due to ongoing fire operations and post-fire recovery traffic. The standard $30 vehicle entrance fee will be in effect.
“This partial reopening allows visitors to enjoy autumn in the Southwest and Manzanita Lake areas of the park,” said Superintendent Jim Richardson. “We appreciate visitor compliance with closures while post-fire recovery efforts continue across much of the park.”
The eastern portion of the park affected by the Dixie Fire including Summit Lake, Butte Lake, Warner Valley, and Juniper Lake areas remain closed. Please Stay Out & Stay Safe to protect yourself and protect your park. Areas burned by wildfire are dangerous and pose hazards including falling trees and limbs, hidden stump holes, loose or falling rock and hot or smoldering ground. Park resources need time to recover. Adhering to closures helps to limit further erosion, protect plants of concern, allow sensitive areas to recover and limit the introduction of invasive species.
Visitors should be prepared for limited services as the park remains in post-fire recovery and park services and facilities transition to winter schedules. Drinkable water will not be available in the Southwest area of the park at this time, water will be available at Loomis Plaza. Neither gasoline nor electric vehicle charging stations will be available within the park for the remainder of the season. The Manzanita Lake Camper Store has closed for the season.
The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, including the Lassen Association Store, is open seven days per week through 10/31. Lassen Café and Gift will not open on October 4, but is expected to open for the winter season. Visitors to the Southwest area of the park should bring their own food and water at this time. Loomis Museum will be open 9 am to 5 pm Friday through Sunday until 10/31 when the museum closes for the winter season. Information is available outside the visitor center and museum 24 hours a day.
Manzanita Lake Campground Loops A and B will be open for first-come, first-served camping until snow closure, camping fee is $15 per site per night. Manzanita Lake dump station will be open until 10/12. Fires, including campfires and charcoal grills, are prohibited. Devices for cooking and lighting with ignition sources that can be turned off and that do not produce ash are permitted. All other campgrounds are closed including camping in vehicles in the Southwest parking area.
Open trails in the Southwest Area include Brokeoff Mountain, Ridge Lakes and Lassen Peak. Open trails in the Manzanita Lake Area include Manzanita Lake Loop, Manzanita Creek, Reflection Lake, Lily Pond Trail, Crags Lake, and a portion of the Nobles Emigrant Trail between Manzanita Lake and Sunflower Flat. All other trails are closed. The entire park remains closed to all backcountry camping.
Enjoy your visit to Lassen Volcanic in the autumn season by being prepared. Check the weather forecast, dress in layers, and carry food and water. Winter road conditions begin as early as October. Stow a shovel, blankets, and tire chains in your vehicle and fill up your gas tank before visiting.
Firefighters continue to monitor fire activity within control lines in the eastern portion of the park. Smoke may be visible as the fire consumes unburned pockets of vegetation within these areas. Information about fire operations is available on the Dixie Fire InciWeb page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7690/. Information about Dixie Fire effects in the park is available on the park website at go.nps.gov/dixie. www.nps.gov .
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