November 22, 2007

Okay, so the Turkey Coma has subsided and I can actually get off the couch, I LOVE THANKSGIVING!!!

Tomorrow is Merchants Night here in Chester/Lake Almanor and a reminder of why I love this little community so much. A tree lighting at 5:00 honoring a great woman, Pat Dennison, then visiting all the local shops, having cookies and cider and I dunno, just being a part of one big family.

Our family at Northwoods Art Gallery just got a little bigger as well with the addition of THREE new artists: Bill Heiser, Wilderness Photographer, Loren David, Watercolorist and Doug Leathem, a talented carver. I hope you all enjoy their work as much as we do, and can make time to come by and see their pieces at Northwoods.

On a sad note, our family is also getting a little smaller, Becky Weatherson, who we have all come to know and love, will be leaving the gallery. We wish her the very best and hope that she finds happiness and peace.

Our newest employee Jenn, has already started training with Becky and Jolene and she seems to be fittin' in just fine. Jenn is married to Jarrod Schaefer, who is the son of Walt Schaefer from Almanor Mfg. Please join me in welcoming Jenn to the Northwoods Art Gallery Family.

Went online today looking for long range weather forecasts (come on snow...) and while it is only 23 degrees outside at my house right now, the sky is clear and bright, and the moonlight is incredible. If anyone knows of a good forecasting sight, please send it along, I haven't found one yet, or at least I haven't found one that tells me what I want to hear!!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, an don't forget Merchants Night, Friday November 23, 2007, we'll have the coffee and cocoa on.

November 8, 2007

Happy Fall, Happy Almost Thanksgiving, oh Heck JUST HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY

What a gorgeous day it is today in Chester/Lake Almanor, the sky is clear, the air is crisp, the sun is warm and the leaves are crunching under everyones feet.

I can tell winter is almost here because the racoons are no longer content rummaging through trash outside, and they are now finsing their way into the garage to get at the cat food.

You all are probably thinking, "Cats? The Longs are dog people, and have the best darn Christmas Cards with all the dogs in it"

Well, we do have cats. In 2006, after my mother passed away, a tiny little cat showed up at the back door of the gallery, I named her Ruthie (in honor of my mom) and the girls and I started feeding her. Ruthis would come into the Northwoods Art Gallery, late at night while I was working and curl up at my feet, she was and is such a love that way. However, we all noticed her immediate weight gain, and being the perceptive women we are, we immediately deduced she was pregnant.

Within a few weeks, our mottled black and orange mommy cat had two beautiful kittens, a siamese and an orange tabby. Well, with the wintercoming, I packed up our new little family and took them home, thinking we would find homes for the mom and two adorable babies.

Well, you guessed it found homes, ours.

So now we have Ruthie, the mom cat, Bandit, the Siamese and Bob, or Mr. Orange, named after our dear, dear friend Bob Orange.

But, you didn't get on here to hear about my cats, enjoy the new works from the Greenwich Workshop and please check out our Gift Guide, with some great ideas for the upcoming holiday season.

And don't forget to come by on MERCHANTS NIGHT, the FRIDAY AFTER THANKGIVING !!

 

 

August 17, 2007

YOU MUST SEE THIS!!!

Marine Rap About Freedom

She called...

Blacks, Whites...wait
African Americans and Caucasians, Asians, excuse me.
Vietnamese, Philipenes, Koreans and Jamaicans or
Haitans, waitin' Hispanics y'all.

Please be paitent
Mexican, Puerto Ricans, Venezualean, Cuban, Dominican, Panamanian Democrats
I beg your pardon, you partied with the late, great Reagan?
Republican, Independent, Christian, Catholic,
Methodist, Baptist, 7th Day Adventist, 5 Percenters,
Hindu, Sunii Muslim, Brothers and Sisters who never seen the New York city
skyline when the twin towers still existed.
But still She called.

From the bowels of Ground Zero she sent this 911 distress signal.
Because She was in desperate need of a hero,
and didn't have time to decipher what to call 'em,
so she called 'em all Her children.
The children of the stars and bars who needed to know nothing more than the fact that she called.
The fact that someone attempted to harm us
this daughter who covered us all with her loving arms.
And now these arms are sprawled across New York City streets.
A smoke filled lung, a silt covered faced,
and a solitary tear poured out of her cheek.
Her singed garments carpets Pennsylvania Avenue and the Pentagon was under her feet.
As she began to talk, she began to cough up small particles of debris
and said, "I am America, and I'm calling on the land of the free."
So they answered.

All personal differences set to the side
because right now there was no time to decide which state building the Confederate flag should fly over,
and which trimester the embryo is considered alive,
or on our monetary units, and which God we should confide.
You see, someone attempted to choke the voice
of the one who gave us the right for choice,
and now she was callin.
And somebody had to answer.
Who was going to answer?

So they did.
Stern faces and chisled chins.
Devoted women and disciplined men,
who rose from the ashes like a pheonix
and said "don't worry, we'll stand in your defense."
They tightened up their bootlaces
and said goodbye to loved ones, family and friends.
They tried to bombard them with the "hold on", "wait-a-minute's", and "what-if's".
And "Daddy, where you goin?".
And, "Mommy, why you leavin?".
And they merely kissed them on their foreheads and said "Don't worry, I have my reasons.
You see, to this country I pledged my allegience
to defend it against all enemies foreign and domestic.
So as long as I'm breathin, I'll run though hell-fire,
meet the enemy on the front lines,
look him directly in his face,
stare directly in his eyes and scream,
"I AM AMERICA! WE WILL NOT BE TERRORIZED!
WE WILL NOT BE TERRORIZED!
I REFUSE TO BE AFRAID!
I'LL FIGHT YOU ANY COUNTRY, ANY CONTINENT, ANY TERRAIN.
I'LL FIGHT TO MY LAST BREATH!"

And if by chance death is my fate,
pin my medals upon my chest,
and throw Old Glory on my grave.
But, don't y'all cry for me.
You see, my Father's prepared a place.
I'll be a part of his Holy army standing a watch at the Pearly Gates.
Because freedom was never free.
POW's, and fallen soldiers
all paid the ultimate sacrafice
along side veterans who put themselves in harms way.
Risking their lives and limbs just to hold up democracy's weight,
but still standing on them broken appendages anytime the National Anthem was played.
You see, these were the brave warriors that gave me the right
to say that I'm Black. Or white.

Or

African American or Caucasian,
I'm Asian, excuse me.
I'm Vietnamese, Philipene, Korean, or Jamaican.
I'm Haitan, Hispanic

Y'all, Please be paitent.
I'm Mexican, Puerto Rican, Venezualean, Cuban,
Dominican, Panamanian, Democrat
I beg your pardon, you see I partied with the late, great Reagan.
I'm Republican, Independent, Christian, Catholic,
Methodist, Baptist, 7th Day Adventist, 5 Percenters,
Hindu, Sunii Muslim,

Brothers and Sisters We're just Americans.
So with that I say
"Thank You" to the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines,
for preserving my rights
to live and die for this life
and paying the ultimate price for me to be...FREE!

August 3, 2007

Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday dear Me...Happy Birthday to Me...

So, today is my birthday, 42 eek. I tell everyone I am 52 and then they are amazed at how great I look for my age!!! (feel free to use that idea, Jolene, our resident Artist, Master Framer actually came up with it.).

The main reason I do look so good is all the care and maintenance performed by the great folks over at THE CUTTING EDGE. Jennifer and Laverne keep the grey at bay, the wrinkles plumped and most importantly provide a great escape from the glamour of running my own business!! If you are new in town, or just visiting or a long time Chesterite, get thee to the CUTTING EDGE, and tell them you saw them here on the only official and BEST BLOG IN CHESTER/LAKE ALMANOR!!

This weekend is the Collins Pine Art Show. Every year crafters and artisans from all over converge on the Collins Pine Lawn all courtesy of the great folks at the Plumas Arts council, also known simply as Plumas Arts.

I also saw that there is hub bub of activity over at Chester JR/SR High School, getting the school cleaned up and ready for the upcoming school year. Many of you know I have a student over there and Glen and I support the school with money, items to raffle off and most importantly OUR TIME. For just a few hours a week, I make a difference in the lives of those kids, and you can too. Contact the school and VOLUNTEER.

What's New At Northwoods from our local artists

What's New at Northwoods from the Greenwich Workshop

 

May 17, 2007

Long time no write - I know, I am a bad blogger!! bad blogger!!!
Things have been so busy (yes even this winter we were very busy (yippee) so I am now just getting caught up enough to keep you all informed about Chester/Lake Almanor and beyond.
The Almanor Almanac for Next Week (yup I am writing this weekly column - so if you have a group, organization that is having an event, please forward me all the information!!!)

Memorial Day was established to remember those who had lost their lives in service to our country, and was originally established to honor those soldiers who fought and died in the civil war. Memorial Day is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971).

Memorial Day Ceremonies will be held at the Chester Cemetery Monday, May 28, 2007.

 I would like to take a moment to thank a Chester man who has recently returned home from serving our country. David Eckert was serving with the Army 40th Eng. Bdg. of the Army Corp of Engineers, in Iraq.  David returned home on Monday, May 14, 2007 to a very happy wife Toni, daughter Chrystyn, and sons Joshua and Joel. Welcome Home David.

 

CHESTER

 

Memorial Day Weekend marks the “unofficial” start of summer, and here in Chester – The Annual Memorial Day Weekend SIDEWALK SALE.  Many merchants in town participate in this annual event, make sure you stop by and grab some of those great deals.

 

Also this weekend, the 9^th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Craft Fair will be held at the Chester Park. Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

Collins Pine and Chester/Almanor PTSA present SHOW AND SHINE IN THE PINES and the Grand Opening of the Collins Pine Lumber Museum, Saturday May 26, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This first annual car show and poker run is to raise funds for the Chester/Lake Almanor High Schools, all donations are tax deductible.  The entrance fee for your classic ride (pre-1975 please) is $25.00.  The show will include music, food, prizes and more.  For more information, please contact Gina B. at 258-2294.

 

The Seneca Hospital Auxiliary has Beanie Babies available for “Adoption”.  The Seneca Auxiliary volunteers recently received a large donation of Beanie Babies.  The Beanie Babies Adoption Center will be located between David Price Jewelers and The Lassen Gift Company during this weekend Sidewalk Sale. For a small donation, you can add to your collection or start a new one. If you are interested in donating items to the Seneca Hospital Auxiliary, please contact Susan Bourquin at 596-4094, and she’ll gladly pick items up.

 

Seneca Hospital Auxiliary will host their 25th annual Health Fair on Saturday June 2nd at the Lake Almanor Clinic from 8:00 - 11:00 A.M.  All are welcome. There will be tests for glaucoma/eye disease, physical therapy education, blood sugar, blood pressure, mammography and bone density sign-ups, hearing tests, pulmonary function tests, and information concerning Hospice, ABC Center and the Hospital Auxiliary.

Blood test results will be available for those who have their blood testing done ahead of time.  The dates set aside for early testing are May 2 - 25 and May 29 - June 1. The testing will be at Seneca Hospital from 8:00 - 11:00.

 

Words and Music in Chester, Thursday May 24, 2007 at the Almanor Culinary Arts Academy. This week the featured artist is the Daniel West Band, for more information, please contact Plumas Arts at 283-3402.

 

The Almanor Basin Community Resource Center has Computer Classes!!!  “Beginning Internet” will help those of us who are technology challenged with hands on, instructor lead training.  The next class is May 30, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. at the ABC Center.  Please contact Debbie Britton at 258-4280 to register.

 

The Rotary Club of Chester Duck Race Tickets are on sale now!! The Annual Duck Race, held each year on the Fourth of July is one of many events the Chester Rotarians hold to raise money for our young people.  Tickets are available from any Rotarian and beginning this weekend, will be on sale in front of Holiday Market and Almanor Hardware.

 

Wildwood Village and Wildwood are holding a Rummage Sale at Wildwood Village 400 Meadowbrook Loop in Chester, Saturday May 26th at 9:00am.

We welcome those who would like to donate items for our rummage sale, with proceeds going to our Gardening Club. Or, if you would like to set up your own table and sell your items, we are asking for a donation to our Gardening Club. For more information, please call Wildwood Village's Activity Coordinator, Cheryl Doughty at 258-3350.

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

 

Lassen Animal Rescue will be holding a fundraiser Pancake Breakfast on June 2, from 7:30-10:00 A.M.  Pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee and juice will be served at the Westwood Community Center on Third Street.  Come support those cute and cuddly little puppies and kittens!

 

Two Brews and a Banjo Returns – Organized and produced by Dr. Tom Archie, The Lake Almanor Community Foundation and Plumas Arts present the 2^nd annual Two Brews and a Banjo Saturday June 23, 2007.  All proceeds benefit the music programs here in Chester.

 

Beyond Chester – Lassen Park

 

LASSEN PARK NEEDS VOLUNTEERS. Imagine taking a few hours out of your week to assist in Lassen Volcanic National Park and then spending the rest of the day hiking or touring around the park?  This dream could be yours! 

During the summer of 2007 Lassen Volcanic National Park will start construction on the long-awaited visitor center at the Southwest entrance along with rehabilitative road construction on 22 miles of the main park road. The park is looking for volunteers to be stationed in various locations in the park to chat with visitors about the on-going projects and offer other park information to alleviate confusion.  Volunteers will be fully trained and flexible schedules will be developed to leave plenty of time for fun.

 

If you are interested or have questions please contact Debra Frein at

(530)595-4444 extension 5176 or debra_frein@nps.gov.

 

THE WEST SHORE (Lake Almanor West)

 

Pins and Needles meet May 29, 2007 at Judy Martin’s

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

 

The 4^th Annual George Friedrichs Memorial Charity Golf Tournament

Saturday, June 23, 2007 at Lake Almanor West Golf Course.  For more information contact 259-4555.

 

PENINSULA

 

Go out for Breakfast!!! The Peninsula Firefighters are holding a Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, May 27, 2007 from 7:00 a.m. till noon.  Along with great pancakes, they will have eggs, ham, sausage and great prizes to give away!  The Fireman’s Pancake breakfast will be held at Fire Hall #2, 801 Golf Club Road.

 

After a great breakfast at Fire Hall #2, go by the Fire Siren’s One Day Sale, Sunday May 27, 2007!!! The Fire Siren’s shop is located next to Fire Hall #2, and their One Day Only Sale starts at 8:00 a.m. and goes until 4:00 p.m.

 

If you are still hungry after shopping, Merlin’s American Grille at the LACC Clubhouse is now serving Sunday Brunch every Sunday from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM.  Please call for reservations (530) 259-2026.  Open to the public.

 

HAMILTON BRANCH

 

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Hamilton Branch Firebelles Annual Spring Luncheon "Asian Fantasy" on Thursday, June 28th at 11:00 AM. You are welcome to bring a friend to enjoy a wonderful luncheon.  Baked goods will be available for sale as well as raffle prizes.  The $10 tickets are available by calling Mickey Perry at 596-3796.

 

If you have information regarding a fundraiser or community event, please send it to me!! northwoodsgallery@digitalpath.net or call 258-3400!!!

 

August 11, 2006

 

 

July 28, 2006

 

May 2, 2006

Almost time for the grand opening of the expansion, and SECOND FRIDAYS is baaaccckkk, come to our ART OF FREEDOM NIGHT and register to vote, and to win this Adele Earnshaw LE Print

Heather Long, owner of the Northwoods Art Gallery, announced today that the Northwoods Art Gallery Second Friday event for May would be “The Art of Freedom - Vote” event, on Friday May 12, 2006 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. The event will feature voter registration, ballot measure information and Candidate for Supervisor, Sherrie Thrall. Attendees will be entered to win the limited edition print “The Immigrant” by Wildlife Artist and Chester Favorite – Adele Earnshaw.

“In recent weeks and months we’ve all heard about the important issues facing us in this year’s election, from a national and local perspective, and our right to vote and influence these issues is what has made this country what it is today. Our freedoms and our rights actually make it possible for me to have my own business, to enjoy the cultural and intellectual pursuits that I enjoy, and I am very proud to have the freedom to hold an ART OF FREEDOM - VOTE night.” Said Long.

“In 2002, the voting age population in California was 25,664,000; of that number only 59.1 percent are registered voters. The voter turnout for 2002 was election 7,738,821, or just 51% of registered voters and only 30.1 percent of the voting age population, and I find that shocking. Only half of the voting age population felt it important enough to register to vote, and of those that did register only 59 percent actually got out and voted. When Iraq held it’s elections in December of 2005, their voter turnout was 79 percent, and the voters faced insurgents, suicide bombers and other violence and still, they had a higher turnout that we had here in California in 2002.”

“There are a lot of myths around registering to vote, like you have to declare your party (you can choose not to state), you register to vote and you’ll end up on the jury duty list, (jury duty lists are comprised of many informational databases, including DMV records, registering to vote doesn’t increase or decrease of chances of getting picked for jury duty) or worse, some people think their vote just won’t matter, and all of those aren’t true, registering to vote allows you to take part in one of our basic rights, the right to have voice in government, and everyone who is eligible should exercise that right.”

The public is invited and encouraged to attend this event, and bring a voting age person to register to vote, meet Candidate Sherrie Thrall and register to win the limited edition watercolor by Adele Earnshaw – “the Immigrant”.

May 1, 2006

Lake Level report from PG&E and the Project 2105 Committee

April 17, 2006

IMPORTANT DATES THIS WEEK - MARK YOUR CALENDAR

APRIL 20, 2006 COMMUNITY SUPPER WITH THE LAKE ALMANOR COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

APRIL 21, 2006 - MEET THE CANDIDATES LUNCHEON AT MERLIN'S AMERICAN GRILLE - MORE INFORMATION HERE

THIS WEEKS - ARTIFACTS:

Dear Friends,

As a Greenwich Workshop preferred dealer, we are pleased to present spotlight artist - Steve Hanks.  Steve has recently moved to Greenwich Workshop and has several new releases.

 We hope you enjoy his endearing portraits of women and children and encourage you to stop by our Gallery at 278 Main Street, in Chester, to see our collection of custom framed limited editions prints by Steve Hanks.

Steve Hanks Artist Spotlight

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT SNOWED ON EASTER!!!

But today and the rest of the week the weather is gonna fabulous!!

This weekend, the Easter Bunny held court at the Chester Park and the kiddies scurried about finding all his treasures he had hidden (sometimes in snow, thank goodness for PAAS Egg Dye).

The Feather RIver Fine Arts Association elected new officers, and so my term as FRFAA President has finally come to a close (boo hoo), but with Betty Bishop at the helm as new president, we are sure to see more of FRFAA around town.

Speaking of FRFFA - SECOND FRIDAYS IS BACK - LOOK FOR THE BANNERS:

THE DATES ARE:

• May 12, 2006
• June 9, 2006
• July 14, 2006
• August 11, 2006
• September 8, 2006
• October 13, 2006

Make sure you come out and support the Arts in Chester/Lake Almanor.

More tomorrow, I am off to make cookies for the community supper - toodles..

April 10, 2006

Happy Monday Morning - This just in from Dale Knutsen -

This morning the water was lapping at the 4490 foot mark on the Lake Almanor West boatramp. There was only very minor wave action at the time, so I would guess that the "official" level was about 4489.8 or
4489.9 feet. But however you look at it, the lake water elevation is WAY up for this time of year! - Dale

The day is a little gray, but the sun has peeked through a bit. These April showers must mean a bumper crop of May flowers!!

Make sure you take a moment and add your name to our mailing list, we send out a newsletter called Artifacts, and some other great ideas for home decor and art, here's last nights for those of you who didn't get it...

Dear Friends, 

April Showers don’t only bring May Flowers, they usher in the season of Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Graduations and Weddings.

The Northwoods Art Gallery is please to present a personal an unique answer to “what are we going to give them?”

Object Framing by the Northwoods Art Gallery

Make your treasures art.  Surprise Mom with framed baby shoes and a baby picture, Delight Dad with his childhood baseball mitt framed with pieces from his baseball card collection.  Dad got a Hole in One?  Frame the golf ball and scorecard. What bride wouldn’t delight with having her invitation and silk bouquet framed to remember her special day?

If you treasure it, we can frame it.  Stop by today and see our collection of framed treasures from coins to keys, and even a baseball mitt.

  

 

For all your ART Desires – Personalized Prints

Truly a unique and personal gift.  High quality canvas prints, personalized with names, dates or initials. We have many to choose from, for housewarmings, sports fans, lovebirds and honeybears.

 

   

Feel free to forward on and share this with your fellow art lovers!!!

Enjoy,

April 9, 2006

Why I am enTHRALLed with Sherrie Thrall - Candidate for Plumas County Supervisor District Three

In a few months we will be voting on a new Supervisor for our District (Plumas County, District Three) and I personally am supporting Sherrie Thrall and I thought you all might be interested in why...

Sherrie's background in business with special work that she has done on water issues with the Army Corp of Engineers. This will help her work intelligently and make informed decisions on the important water issues that are here in the Basin.

Sherrie has been attending Save Lake Almanor Meetings, 2105 Committee Meetings, and many more to numerous to mention all to learn and get up to speed on the areas that our current supervisor Bill Dennison has become proficient at over the last 11 years he has been in office.

Sherrie has been appointed to numerous boards and volunteered for many civic committees --Planning Commission; Lake Almanor Watershed Advisory Committee; Area on Agency--Chair; ABC Board, etc. for many years, she didn't just start when she decided to run for supervisor. Sherrie has been there, done that year after year here in the Basin.

 

Sherrie is essentially retired (although from her schedule it wouldn't appear as so) unlike her opponent, she has no business to run and no vested interest in issues that are business related that come before the Board of Supervisors. She will be able to give the position the full time attention the position and her constituents deserve.

And again, I really think it's important to reiterate that Sherrie will have no conflict of interest with a business that may cause her to abstain from important county business.  Sherrie will have to resign from some of the boards and advisory committees she sits on, so that there is no conflict of interest in the work she does for her constituents.

 

And finally, Sherrie is one of the most sincere, genuine, humble and hard working, level headed persons that I know.

 

April 8, 2006

This just in from Dale Knutsen the unofficial (we really should make him the official, I wonder how we do that?) weather watcher for the Chester/Lake Almanor Basin...

I guess it must be official ... our March snowfall was the highest on record. According to the archives of the Western Regional Climate Center in Reno, our previous high totals for the month were as follows:

- March 1982 ... 79 inches
- March 1952 ... 78 inches
- March 1967 ... 57 inches
- March 1952 ... 52 inches

None of those come close to this year's total of 98 inches!

The continued light dustings of snow in early April have raised the total seasonal snowfall at Lake Almanor West to 192 inches as of this morning. That works out to an even 16 feet, at an elevation of 4565 feet (the nearby higher terrain must have gotten considerably more).

But don't let it be said that snow halts outdoor activities ... at our house, my wife covered something around 150 miles on her cross-country skis in March (which might explain why her boots are starting to look like they need replacing!).

- Dale

March 23, 2006

So, what did you do on St. Patrick's Day?

 

WE OPENED THE BEST WESTERN ROSE QUARTZ INN!!!

Suzi Braken and The New Innkeepers of the Bidwell House with yours truly and Glen

All photos by Casey Heisler, thank you Casey, hope you have a great trip!!!

We had Joe Tomaselli and his band there and they rocked the house all night, thanks Joe, Hank, Leslie, and everyone who I can't remember their names, IT WAS THE BEST WE'VE EVER HEARD.

The Almanor Basin Community Resource Center handled the greetings and the name tags and the bar. Money from each room rate was donated to the ABC Center for all the work they do here in the community for folks in need and just for folks who want to improve their quality of life and the lives of their children, you can always make a donation to them, find out more about them by calling the ABC Center at (530) 258-4280, tell them you saw it here!!!

The Rideouts and Bob Heisler

Glen and I want to thank all our friends, family and the Lake Almanor Basin Community for coming out (we lost count at 300 people) and celebrating this huge milestone for the area, and for us. Glen and I have always been right there to support any cause that asked and it was nice to see so many friendly faces and happy people enjoying the new Rose Quartz Inn. If you didn't get a chance to see it that night, please feel free to stop on by and take a peek!!!

Monte, Glen, Terri and Rob and Mel Toponce

On Saturday, The Feather River FIne Arts Association held their monthly meeting at RQI (Rose Quartz Inn) and selected a slate of officers for the coming year. I will be stepping down as President of Feather River Fine Arts but will continue to be an active supporter and member, with the opening of the Inn and the expansion of Northwoods, I have to step back my community service obligations a bit, but I am always here if ya need me!!!

Saturday was spent with family and friends snowmobiling at Bogart and the Antelope look out, what a hoot. I broke one of the sleds, and had to be towed back, but at least it was at the end of the day and we all went home and thank goodness for Monte and her amazing stew recipe or we would have all starved!!!

Bob Orange Jumping - instead of crashing like he usually does.....

I will post pictures up tomorrow, of snowmobiling and of the Rose Quartz Inn Grand Opening Party.

March 12, 2006

WOW - Snow, Snow and More Snow here in Chester/Lake Almanor. We got about two feet here at the gallery!!!

And it's snowing some more!!

Well, it has been awhile since I wrote and boy has there been a lot of things going on here in Lake Almanor/Chester/The Basin.

The Chester Elementary School Carnival was last friday night and it was hit again. The PTA and Scott and his staff should be very proud. It is great to see the whole community come out and support the schools this way. Special thanks to Christine Bradley of Bradley Appraisal for organizing all the face painters, of which the Northwoods Gallery was one.

The Best Western Rose Quartz Inn is now open and filling up every night!! The response has been overwhelming, comments like "Chester has needed this for so long", "This place is magnificent, classy and warm and the staff is the best" (These are actual guest comments). The Grand Opening celebration is this Friday Night, 6-10 p.m. and will feature the music of Greenville's Joe Tomaselli and Hank Alrich, two gallery favorites.

The Best Western folks came and did there "test" to make sure the Rose Quartz Inn met the standards established by the World's Largest Hotel Chain, T he Rose Quartz Inn scored 982 out of 1000 possible points!!!!

Coppervale Ski Hill, outside of Susanville was very busy this weekend, the snow has been excellent with lot's of fresh powder, make sure when you come up, if you're a skier or boarder that you take the short drive there and check out their hill.

Snowmobiling has been great, although we haven't had much time to get out with the opening of the Best Western Rose Quartz Inn, but Glen did have a chance to get over to Antelope Lookout, and we have been to the Top of Dyer Mountain a couple of times. I still have to say that our favorite place is Diamond Mountain outside of Greenville, in Indian Valley.

Speaking of Dyer Mountain, it looks like the project is a go, and anyone who doubted that we here in Chester/Lake Almanor and Westwood get enough snow to support a ski resort, I say, LOOK OUTSIDE!!! It's march and we have fresh powder and a great base!!! GO DYER MOUNTAIN, make sure you visit their website and tell them we sent you!!

Well, that's all for now, we will be mailing out and posting our schedule of shows, make sure you are on our mailing list, click here and send us your information, and thanks for supporting Chester/Lake Almanor's BEST ART GALLERY!!!

February 21, 2006

WOW - 6 days and counting to the opening of Chester/Lake ALmanor's finest hotel!!! The Rose Quartz Inn is slated to be open on February 27, 2006 and it is a hot bed of activity over there day and night!!!

So, with hanging the artwork and finalizing the finishes I haven't had a lot of time to write and update you on everything here in Chester. The President's day weekend was a blast and 8-10 inches of snowfall on Friday night saved the weekend. We had great fluffy powder for all kinds of snowplay. In fact we went to the top of Dyer Mountain which will soon be a ski resort and we had a BLAST!!! Here are some photos of Bob, Glen and others showing off!!

 

February 16, 2006

Wow, sorry I haven't written a while. I went down to the Old Pueblo (Tucson) for the American Miniatures show at Settlers West Gallery. James Bama, James Christensen, Howard Terpning and others were there as well as an amazing assortment of miniature originals.

While I was down there, I was fortunate to meet Scott Usher, the President of one of our finest publishers, Greenwich Workshop. We are working with Greenwich to bring to the Basin world renowned artists like Steve Hanks, Daniel Smith and Rod Frederick.

Oh, and I also got to go to three of the over one hundred venues for the Gem and Mineral Show. Absolutely fascinating minerals, gems and incredible displays.

Well, the day sure did dawn crisp and clear here in Chester, it was whopping 20 degrees when I left the house and headed into the Gallery this morning. We are gearing up for an exciting weekend, more snow is coming, it's Presidents day weekend and we are expecting a full house!!

 

 

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