Catch of the Week
Captain Rob Ayers  The ice is beginning to subside with our warmer temperatures. Today I found a visitor from Portola who saw the open water and the lure of casting a lure was too much to drive by. The public boat ramp is open. With any luck, enough ice will melt this week to allow fishable conditions on most of the east basin.
Seneca Healthcare Updates
Chelssa Outland New Hospital Build
The new hospital build team has been working diligently to complete the validation phase for the new hospital. Once certification is final, Seneca will release further information regarding the cost of the new hospital and timeline.
Click the image to learn more.
Project Southwest Airlines (SWA)
Project Southwest Airlines is all about process and procedure. Seneca is currently working on updating phone systems, changing electronic health record systems, and centralizing many patient services. These changes are designed with the patient in mind to help improve healthcare access, services, and satisfaction. Seneca appreciates the patience of our patients as we work through these transitions and changes.
Seneca Newsletter
Seneca is now posting our employee newsletter online. Learn about the employee of the month, read updates from the executive team, and learn about different departments.
Click the image to read it now!
2023 CNA Program
Seneca is preparing for our 2023 CNA program and we are accepting applications.
Learn more information by clicking the image below.
CNA PROGRAM - Seneca Healthcare District (senecahospital.org)
Town Trivia
Katherine Sansone
Winner last week was Sonja Anderson with the correct question to: Mid-year of 1911, the Sifford’s (Drakesbad), tired of horse and buggy, purchased this brand of automobile from a Susanville dealer. Answer: Ford. She wins a gift certificate from Il Lago. New sponsor this week is Wild Things Floral and Gift offering a 10% off coupon.
This week’s answer: This state park is in the ancestral home of the Mountain Maidu people.
Please send response to trivia@lakealmanorarea.com
We need sponsors! Get your name in The Chatter for four weeks, or more, depending on if we have winners. Please contact katherine@sansoneplus.com
Welcome New Chamber Members
Budget Blinds
Bay, Jerry
Diamond Mountain Casino & Hotel
Anderson, Cheryl
American Homes and Land
Warren & Chari Bullock
Educational Adventures
Gibson, Denise
Chester Cemetery District
Scott, William
Michael White Construction
White, Michael & Stefanie
Wild Things Floral and Gift
Korhuniak, Kelsi & Ryan
Stanley B. McDaniel Construction, Inc.
McDaniel, Stan
Lake Almanor Fitness Center
Lake Almanor Ace Hardware
 Our first batch of seeds       (mostly organic) are in for those of you who like to start early! We are open until 5:00.
417 Main Street Chester, CA 96020
(530) 258-3955
Open
8:30am - 5:00pm Monday-Saturday
10:00am-4:00pm Sunday
Ayoobs Intermountain Hardware
Reminding you guys that we still have a few power tools on sale! We’ve got em on display as soon as you walk in the door. Don’t miss out!
Upcoming Events & Meetings
Submit Your Events
 Submit Your Events to the Lake Almanor Area Chamber Events Website
It's that time of the year! If you have events that you would like posted on our LakeAlmanorArea.com events calendar, please submit them by clicking here.
Please note that event submissions do not guarantee placement on the calendar. We will review each event submission to determine eligibility.
Job Postings
For all job postings, please go to lakealmanorarea.com/employment
SingletonAuman PC
SingletonAuman PC is looking to hire a part-time office assistant for our Chester Office. Applicants should be comfortable answering the phone, using a computer and greeting clients. Confidentiality, multi-tasking, excellent customer service, professional dress and a positive attitude are a must. Some of the tasks of the Office Assistant include printing and assembling tax returns in a specific manner, emailing and mailing tax returns, scheduling, scanning documents, assisting with client mailings and other duties as assigned. We will train you for this position. Starting pay is $16 per hour. Please bring in your resume or come fill out an application at 283 Main Street, Chester CA 96020. You can also email your resume to agorbet@sa-cpas.com. We look forward to having you on the team!
Please contact Ashley Gorbet at 530-322-7040.
Timber House Lodge
Applying for all positions. Please apply using this link.
All Phase Landscape
We are hiring for the 2022 work season, with multiple full time positions available.
We are hiring for:
- Skilled labor positions, some landscaping experience is preferred.
- Equipment operators, some paving and excavation experience is preferred.
- Landscape/maintenance laborers.
All positions require a drivers license. Class A is not required, but beneficial. Pay is dependent on experience and qualifications. We are willing to train the right candidate.
Lake Almanor Country Club (LACC)
- Security Patrol
If you are interested in applying for the position or would like more information, please call 530-596-3282 or stop by the office at 501 Peninsula Drive to obtain an employment application.
An employment application can also be printed from our website at Lacchoa.com. To access the application, click on Community Pages, LACC Employment then click on the link to access the LACC Employment Application Form.
Collins is investing heavily into our people, as well as exciting projects to upgrade and replace equipment and machinery. Did you know that 100% of medical, dental and vision benefits for employees and beneficiaries are covered by the company? For a full list of benefits and employment opportunities, please contact Terra Ayers at tayers@collinsco.com or go to www.collinsco.com/hr.
SHD has many open positions in the healthcare and support fields. We offer competitive pay and a full benefits package.
www.senecahospital.org/careers
Apply online or come by the hospital to fill out an application.
*RNs
*LVNs
*CNAs
*Kitchen Helper
*Housekeeper
*RHC Practice Manager
*Maintenance Worker
*Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Call Jennie @ 530-258-2159 or email jmathews@senecahospital.org with any questions.
Howard Construction Hiring Multiple Full-Time Positions in Chester
Now hiring journeyman, apprentice and/or laborers. You and your truck must be reliable, have a phone for contact reasons. Pay depending on experience. Call 530-258-3541 – Email kyle@howardconstruction4u.com; Please see flyer here.
The Library Corner
Chester Library
210 First Avenue
(530) 258-2742
Winter Hours of Operation (November - March)
Tuesday-Friday 10:00-12:00, 12:30-5:30
Saturday 11:00-3:00
Services Offered
Copies and prints are 20 cents each, black and white only. Free public computers and WiFi.
Children's Storytime for the Library Corner:
2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 10:30 AM
Books, music/movement, crafts
Greenville Pop-Up Branch moving to Greenville High School, Room #402 starting June 4th
117 Grand St. Greenville
(530) 283-6310
Hours of Operation
Tuesday - Thursday 3:30pm - 7:30pm
Saturday 11am-3pm |
Bits & Pieces
Chester 8th Grade Valentine's Day Bouquet Fundraiser
Get your orders in quickly. Supplies are limited. Pick up on Tuesday, February 14 at CHS Staff Parking Lot from 3-4pm. Click here to order today.
Elks Lodge #2626 Valentine's Day Dinner
Tuesday, February 14th at 5pm
Limited Seating...Reserve today
Call or Text: Mary Ann @ (707) 479-1413
or stop by Rouland Insurance at 650 Main St. Chester
Highlands Ranch Valentine's Weekend
Valentine's Day is coming soon, make your reservations today! Our team at Highlands Ranch Resort will be hosting Valentine's Day all weekend, February 9th-10th-11th. We will be featuring a light Jazz Duo - Touch of Class during our dinner hours 5pm-9pm on Saturday the 11th. Make your reservations today. 530-595-3388.
Drop Off Your Recipes at AFA Chili Cook-Off Booth
While enjoying the chili prepared by John Crotty at the Chilly Chili Cook-Off, drop off one of your favorite recipes to be included in the AFA Cookbook. We know we have great cooks at Lake Almanor so don’t be shy! Cookbook to be available tentatively by Mother’s Day with all monies raised for the enhancement and preservation of Lake Almanor’s fishery.
A special note from Sierra Hospice:
“Thank you to our community for their support and donations over the years. It enables Sierra Hospice to provide education, medical supplies/equipment, patient care, support and resources to those who are dealing with end-of-life issues."
 CAL FIRE Releases Updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for Public Comment
Cal Fire will host 57 public hearings throughout California. After years of planning and collaboration with fire scientists, firefighters, stakeholders, and local community partners, the new map reflects changes in fire hazard in unincorporated, rural areas, as experienced in California over past years. The deadline for public comment is April 4th. To read the full press release, please click here.
Chester Cemetery District Needs Your Help
We are close, but need that last push to make the $20,000 needed to help with the restoration of our beloved cemetery. For those interested in supporting the rebuild efforts of Chester Cemetery, please visit www.almanorfoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/172272-chester-cemetery-fund
Next Chamber Town Hall will be Monday, February 27
5:15pm at Mt. Lassen Theatre
There will be short presentations from Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship and the Chester Main St. Connectivity Project, along with Q&A time with panel members. You are always welcome to submit questions on this google form: https://forms.gle/fQ6NMAg6F6zyhxi19
Lake Almanor Memorial Day Craft Fair Brought to You by Rotary Club of Chester
For more information, please email: lakealmanormemorialdaycraftfair@yahoo.com
To sign up as a vendor, please click here to download the application.
Lake Almanor Area Chamber Seeks Maintenance Supervisor
The Lake Almanor Area Chamber is looking for a maintenance supervisor working at Chester Park, the future site of the Town Plaza. This position can be either a volunteer or paid employee, requires the knowledge/experience of general building and landscape maintenance and the capability to direct others. To learn more about the position please email info@lakealmanorarea.com or call (530) 208-5330.
Save Lake Almanor Update
Please click here to read the latest update.
The Lake Almanor Area Chamber Board of Directors has seats currently open. Please email info@lakealmanorarea.com for more information.
Classified Ads Now Featured in the Town Chatter
Do you have a classified ad that you would like shared? Submit your ad by clicking here.
To view classified ads, please click here.
Plumas News Articles to Read
PUSD superintendent addresses recent school threats and protocols
Chester Elementary Principal calls for parent information meeting regarding school incident
PG&E issuing credits for electric residential customers earlier this year to offset energy bills
Megan Dahle announces Senate bid
Into the woods! PCS seventh-graders experience adventure camp
 Donate to the New Year's Eve Fireworks
Help keep this wonderful tradition alive for years to come. Please click here if you would like to donate. And thank you so much for your generous donation. For more information about our New Year's Eve Fireworks Show, please visit www.lakealmanorarea.com/new-years
Advertising in the Town Chatter
Would you like to advertise your business or event in the Town Chatter? Email info@lakealmanorarea.com for more information.
 For daily (and sometimes hourly) news and information, please visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lakealmanorarea
Grand Marshal Nominations
Grand Marshal Nomination Form for the Fourth of July Parade
If you have an individual whom you would like to be considered as Grand Marshal for the Annual Fourth of July Parade, please submit the form by April 30th. Previous Grand Marshals are not eligible for nomination.
Click here to download the form.
Turn nomination in at Forever Books next to Cravings at 278 Main St., Chester, or mail to PO Box 1198 Chester Ca 96020. You can also email it to info@lakealmanorarea.com
Advanced Geologic Exploration, Inc.
Collins Pine Promotes Eric O'Kelley to Forest Manager
Collins Pine 
"We are excited to announce that Eric O’Kelley has been promoted to Forest Manager in Chester, California. Eric will be responsible for overseeing forest management on the Collins Almanor Forest, including newly acquired lands in the area of Westwood and Eagle Lake, as well as collaboration with partners in Plumas, Tehama, and Lassen Counties. He will lead the forestry team on our fire restoration, annual harvest, and other objectives while liaising with the public and local authorities. Eric has been with Collins since 1995. Congratulations, Eric!"
Chester Winterfest Dog Sled Race 2/10-2/12
2023 Lake Almanor Area Chamber Events
Get ready for a year of exciting events! Below is the current list of Chamber-related events this year. Mark your calendars or save this one to your bookmark: lakealmanorarea.com/events-calendar
Lake Almanor Area Chamber 2023 Events
Ice Skating at Chester Park
Dates: Now - March 26, 2023
Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Fridays 4-8pm
Saturdays and Sundays 12-4pm
$5 per person includes skate rental
For more information, please visit: lakealmanorarea.com/ice-rink
Lake Almanor Area Chamber and Alliance For Workforce Development Job Fair
Date: Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023
Time: 4-7pm
Where: Almanor Rec Center
For more information, please visit: lakealmanorarea.com/job-fair
Bailey Creek Golf Course & Chamber Golf Tournament
Date: May 20, 2023
Time: 11:00am
Where: Bailey Creek Golf Course
Registration to participate is not currently open; however, if you would like to sponsor a hole, please click here: https://mms.lakealmanorarea.com/members/evr/reg_event.php?evid=72553485&orgcode=CLAC
4th of July Parade
Date: July 4, 2023
Time: 11:00am
Where: Chester Main Street
Register your float today by clicking here: https://mms.lakealmanorarea.com/members/evr/reg_event.php?evid=67970985&orgcode=CLAC
4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza
Date: July 4, 2023
Time: After sundown
Where: Over Lake Almanor
For more information, please click here: lakealmanorarea.com/4th-of-july
Lake Almanor Area Farmers Markets
Date: June 15th - September 14th
Thursday Nights
Time: 4-7pm
Where: Chester Park
For more information, please visit: lakealmanorarea.com/farmers-market
Scarecrow Contest
Date: Scarecrows will be up starting September 15, 2023
Voting starts October 31, 2023
Where: Chester Main Street
Halloween Costume Contest and Merchant Safe Trick or Treat
Date: October 31, 2023
Time: 3 pm - 5 pm
Where: Chester Main Street
Holiday Shopping Tour
Dates: November 10, 2023 & November 11, 2023
Time: Store hours vary
Where: Chester, Lake Almanor, Greenville, Crescent Mills, Taylorsville and Westwood.
Info: Join those who love this annual tradition. Experience the warmth and hospitality of small town America. Shop our boutiques, preview our Christmas specials, take part in holiday drawings and so much more. This event is worth spending the weekend! For more information, please visit: lakealmanorarea.com/holiday-shopping-tour
Turkey Trot
Date: November 23, 2023
Time: Registration/Sign-In starts at 7am, the Run begins at 8am
Where: Bailey Creek Parking Lot 433 Durkin Drive Lake Almanor
Info: Walk, Jog, or Run to our annual 5k Turkey Trot in Bailey Creek! Registration starts at 7am and the run begins at 8am. Come early for free coffee and pastries! Prizes for first place in each category (mens, womens, children 0-13) and for best Turkey or Thanksgiving-themed costume!
Proceeds go to the Lake Almanor Area Fireworks Fund.
Cost: $10 per person
Register online for the event.
Community Tree Lighting
Date: November 24, 2023
Time: 5pm - 5:30 pm
Where: Chester Park
Info: Come and join us at our 2nd Annual Community Tree Lighting. Enjoy warm, delicious drinks from the Chamber Bar Cart, yummy food, booths, fun for the kids, Candlelight Carols, tree lighting and more! All proceeds from the bar cart will go to the New Year's Eve Fireworks show.
More information: lakealmanorarea.com/community-tree
Lake Almanor Area New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Date: December 31, 2023
Time: 9:00pm
Where: Over Chester’s Airport ( Roger’s Field)
More information: lakealmanorarea.com/new-years
Chilly Chili Cook-off February 18
The Almanor Foundation 
Don a Toque, Make or Taste Some Great Chili, and Have Some Fun!
The great Chilly Chili Cook-off is back on Saturday, February 18 from 1:00 to 4:00pm in the parking lot at Chester Park. The Chilly Chili Cook-Off is a fundraising event sponsored by The Almanor Foundation to support the Chester Community Ice Skating Rink.
Come for an afternoon of great chili, beverages, live music, ice carving, and a crazy hat (or toque) contest. Sit by the fire and enjoy s'mores, while supporting the Ice Rink, the first winter activity of the Town Plaza at Chester Park.
Chili Teams Wanted! $30 Entry Fee. Bring 3-5 gallons of chili and your own heat source. Click here for chili team information.
Prizes for "Best Chili", "Awesome Showmanship or Booth", and "Most Awesome Toque" which is open to all teams and tasters. Enter Your Chili Team Now
Chili Tasters Get Your Tickets Now. Tickets Available Here
Event Time 1 PM - 4 PM
Location Parking Lot at Chester Park
Tasting Tickets - $10, Children under 12 - $5
Live Music with "Doctor" Jeff
Adult Beverages
Warming spots for roasting s'mores
Ice Sculpture carved by Tim Carmen!!
The Great 2023 Toque Contest
Put on your best toque and win the prize for the best hat of the season.
Be a Chilly Chili Sponsor. We will happily accept any merchandise, gift certificate or donation to be used in our raffle. To sponsor or donate, please go to The Almanor Foundation’s website, http://www.almanorchilicookoff.com or for more information on sponsorship, you can also email admin@almanorfoundation.org or call Tom at 925.381.8331.
Almanor Fishing Report
John Crotty  2/5/2023
It’s all about the weather up here in the mountains. The theme for the past six weeks has been cold; overnight lows in the low teens and daytime highs in the thirties are keeping everything around the lake (and most of the lake itself) frozen. The Canyon Dam and Rec #2 boat launches are frozen as is all of the lake from the tip of the peninsula to Prattville North. We received some rain at lake level Saturday evening turning to snow Sunday morning. Lake level remains unchanged since last week’s report, currently sitting at 4481.5’.
We will get a respite from the cold this week with daytime highs reaching the mid to high forties. With the warming temperatures we will finally begin to see snow melting at lake level, an increase in water temperatures and a rise in lake level. As water temperatures approach the forty degree mark, fish should begin feeding more aggressively.
There is a slight chance of rain later in the week which should not impact travel or fishing. I will check Canyon Dam boat ramp on Monday and post updates on launch conditions on the Almanor Fishing Association Facebook page.
From Ice to Art
Katherine Sansone 
Ice Sculptor Show is Skill and Talent at Chilly Chili Cook-Off
Chain saw gassed up, chisels at his side, popular ice carver Tim Carmon from Carson City, Nevada is ready to turn 1,000 lbs of ice into a piece of art at the Chilly Chili Cook-Off, February 18 at Chester Park. “I have been sculpting ice for over 45+ years and I always get excited when I see the potential in a crystal-clear block of ice,” says Carmon.
Carmon began a career in the food industry at age 19 taking him to Seattle, to working dinner cruises to Toronto and Lake Louise. It was while working in Lake Louise that he began a year and a half apprenticeship in visual food art. “Never thought of myself as being an artist. It was through the training and learning certain skills that I discovered I had good eye for shape, proportion, balance and color. Those are just as important as knowing how to design and sculpt,” he explains.
Part of the training and ending up with a beautiful work of art is having the right “raw product” – the ice. The ice is prepared in special molds that can push the gas bubbles out of the water so the ice is completely clear. Single blocks of ice are generally 350 lbs -- 40” long, 20” wide and 11” thick – with three being welded together to create a single block to make the sculpture. Tools of the trade vary as well. Carmon is what he calls old school using a chain saw and chisel for the fine details. Today he explains carvers use C&C three-dimensional machines that program the images and lasers.
Through his career, Carmon has participated in many ice carving competitions both nationally and internationally. He attributes some of his wins to a great imagination. “Sometimes all it takes is a good idea.” It was at the 2000 Ice Alaska in Fairbanks, Alaska, with a four-man team competing amongst the best of the best that his team placed 2 nd and 3 rd in the realistic category. “A physically challenging event, we worked for four days transforming 42,000 lbs. of ice into a 22’ sculpture called the Fountain of Fortune.”
Carmon retired seven years ago as the pastry chef at the El Dorado in Reno, a position he held for the past 22 years. He is now retiring from ice carving. “I still get a thrill when I see that ‘hunk of blue’ and think what if?” See Tim at his “last hurrah” at the Chilly Chili Cook-Off, February 18 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Chester Park, Chester CA. www.AlmanorChiliCookoff.com. The event, sponsored by The Almanor Foundation, is raising monies for the Ice-Skating Rink in Chester.
Hear Tim on JDX at 5:40 on February 8!
Plumas County 2021 Wildfires Long-Term Recovery Plan Meetings
Sierra SBDC’s Workshop Schedule for February 2023
Welcome to the Sierra SBDC’s workshop schedule for February 2023. All of these workshops/seminars are FREE, with the exception of the QuickBooks Webinars on February 16 and 23. You do have to register in advance to gain access. Please go to www.sierrasbdc.com, click on Trainings on the upper right of the Home Page, then scroll down to the session of your choice and register. For more information or assistance, contact Clint Koble, Advisor: Sierra SBDC at (530) 375-0126 or clint.koble@gmail.com.
Feb. 8: Checklist of Opening a Restaurant – Part 2. Finding the right location, working through the permit process, actions needed to opening day: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
Feb. 14: Expansion Capital for Profitable Businesses More than 2 Years Old. How to raise capital, equity and debt, and to facilitate future growth: 10:30 am – noon.
Feb 15: Digital Marketing Hour: Creating a Facebook ‘Group’. Develop a hub where valuable conversations flourish between brands and customers and among customers themselves: 9:00 am – 10:00 am.
Feb. 16: QuickBooks Online Series: Webinar 1 – Accounting 101 and Getting Started with QuickBooks Online. There is a charge of $40.00 for this Webinar. 10:00 am – noon.
Feb. 16: Marketing Your Business. Learn fundamental principles of marketing to create your own marketing plan: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm.
Feb. 21: Financial Management for Your Business. Key concepts in financial management and review the 3 most important financial statements for your business: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm.
Feb. 23: QuickBooks Online Series: Webinar 2 – Setting up Items and Creating Forms. There is a $60.00 charge for this Webinar. 10:00 am – noon.
Feb. 28: Marketing for Your Business. Understanding and identifying your business’s core users, Heavy User Group, and then building a strategy: 10:30 am – noon.
March 1: Cybersecurity Basics: How to protect your business against cyber criminals and how to avoid the normal attacks: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm.
Note: The Quincy Chamber and the Sierra SBDC will be offering a FREE BUSINESS WORKSOP on Business Plans and Feasibility from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Call the Quincy Chamber at (530) 394-0541 or Clint Koble at (530) 375-0126 for more details.
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