Your resource fo r what ’s happenin g on the Ridge! www,paradisechamber.com
February/March 2018
Standing Room Only at Chamber’s Annual Dinner then installed the 2018 Directors. See page 3 for list. The program included the surprise appearance of Cal Fire staff, accompanied by California Conservation Corps representatives. They were honored and thanked for their service by Mark Thorp, and then greeted the crowd of appreciative guests. Paradise Rotary provided bar service, and Billings Photography was on hand with a photo booth.
Generous donations from local businesses, as well as the baking skills of our Board of Directors, helped to offset the cost of the event. Silent auction donors, too numerous to mention, provided products and services not only to showcase the bounty of Paradise but to offset the cost of the event and to support the Chamber’s work in enhancing the culture and environment of the Ridge.
New table decorating contest a big hit
Volunteers from California Vocations are seated at the award winning table decorated by Made in Paradise, a division of the Work Training Center. By Monica Nolan Executive Director, Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce
P
aradise Ridge Chamber’s Annual Installation Dinner hosted a sold-out crowd at the Paradise Ridge Senior Center as community members were recognized for their service and accomplishments. The occasion welcomed new and returning Chamber board members working to enhance the culture and environment of the Ridge. Past President Jay Cooke of Professional Mortgage Associates passed the gavel to incoming 2018 President, David
New Laws Affecting California Employers In 2018, California enacted new laws affecting California employers. Here’s a snapshot of new legislation. For a copy of CalChamber’s “An Overview of New 2018 Laws Affecting California Employers” white paper, contact your Chamber of Commerce at info@ParadiseChamber.com. • Parental Leave for small employers (businesses with 20 or more employees) • Ban-the-box Law restricts employers from asking about criminal history on job applications (businesses with 5 or more employees) • Salary History Question prohibition bans all employers from asking job applicants about prior salary history • New rules protect workers from immigration enforcement • Alcohol servers to receive mandatory training • Expanded discrimination, harassment and retaliation protections • Wage-and-hour enforcement • Workplace safety and workers’ compensation
Shepler, Wells Fargo Bank, who welcomed all present and introduced board members and dignitaries. Our new president thanked Paradise Chamber Executive Director Monica Nolan for her tireless and visionary leadership, and Membership and Events Coordinator Mark Thorp for his contagious enthusiasm and passion for the Paradise community. He acknowledged Events Committee Chair, Jill Williams, instrumental in making the event a success. President Shepler recognized the support of his Wells Fargo family, with a special shout out to recently retired Service Manager Vickie Perez for inspiring his passion to give back to the Paradise
community, and his wife Melissa, a teacher at Children’s Community Charter School, for supporting his Chamber mission. Shepler concluded by encouraging the full support of our membership and community, stating: “The more we support each other, the stronger we will all be. As a member…certainly there are many benefits, but for me-it’s not about what I get, it’s about what I give. It seems the more I give, the more I get in return. I try to live by this philosophy: “Life is not about avoiding bruises, life is about collecting the scars to prove you showed up for it!” I am very optimistic about what this year holds for the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce. Shepler
This year’s event featured a table decorating contest showcasing the products and artistry of A Stitch Above Embroidery & Shirt Printing, Adventist Health Feather River Livewell Center, Ampla Health, Arbonne - Jenn Brooks, Independent Consultant, Atria Paradise, Edward Jones InvestmentsShannon Hurte, Paradise Chocolate Fest, Paradise ROCKS!, Wells Fargo, Work Training Center – Made in Paradise, and Sierra Central Credit Union.
Daffodils Across the Ridge
By Jayne Locas
W
hile writing a gardening column for the Paradise Post, the concept of a town wide gardening project took shape in my mind. It was a seed that was planted, but never germinated, until I heard of the Daffodil Project in New York City—a city wide project to plant daffodils to serve as a memorial for the tragedy of 9-11. When I returned to Paradise, I began to envision my own daffodil project as a way to bring beauty to the entire town. A friend, knowing what an avid gardener I was, presented me with a photo of a sign that read, “To Plant A Garden, Is To Believe in Tomorrow.” Little did I know when I was given the gift that it would become a mantra to carry me through a struggle with cancer. The sign was always there encouraging me to do something in my garden each day. I knew I would have a tomorrow, because I was planting a garden. Slowly I recovered my health, and it was during this time that I saw the many daffodils planted at a business on the corner of Skyway and Elliot in Paradise. My vision began to take shape. In January 2008, I was named chairperson
for the beautification committee of the Paradise Garden Club. Shortly afterwards, the daffodils on the Skyway began to bloom. In my mind, I could see them blanketing the town in a mass of yellow blooms. I approached the club with my proposal to plant 3,000 daffodils in the Town of Paradise as the beginning of an ongoing project that would bring warmth to the soul after a long and often dreary Ridge winter. While my vision was in its infancy, the town was devastated by the Humboldt Fire. Many of the club members were evacuated, and saw their friends and families lose their homes and all that was near and dear to them. When we gathered together to share our feelings about the destruction, I brought along my sign, “To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow.” From this sign we adopted the motto for our project. The vision was no longer just to bring warmth to the soul after the dreary winter; it was also to bring hope for the future. If we can plant a garden of daffodils, there will be a tomorrow. To date, my vision for 3,000 bulbs to be planted the first year has grown to over 100,000 bulbs, financed by the Paradise Garden Club and community support. While the vision for “Daffodils Across the Ridge is mine, credit for making the concept a reality goes to the diligent efforts and undying support of the daffodil committee, the faith of the garden club members who elected me Beautification Chairperson, and enthusiastic response of the entire community. During the seasons that I took on the task of planting the many bulbs I often wondered why I was doing all this work, sometimes in the wind, rain and even snow. But with each spring comes the reward. The cheerful blooms blanket the community as a symbol of hope for all to share. The project was my dream but dreams are a thousand times better when others can share them. I was recognized as Paradise Elks Club Woman of the year for the project.
Business Briefs
American Capital Corporation Planning matters, when purchasing or refinancing a home. For a successful loan experience, call Ken Hunt first. Ken excels at providing the very best individualized loan product available, whatever your circumstances. Whether you are self-employed or a W-2 wage earner, retired or 100% commission based, planning based upon your unique circumstances is critical. Ken calls upon his years of experience in the mortgage industry and certified staff of experts to satisfy your loan needs. Ken goes the extra mile with his Corporate Office. Visit American Capital Corporation 4047 Neal Road, Neal and Skyway. 877-8800, ken@kenhunt.mortgage. Few Spots Available at Achieve Charter High School At Achieve Charter High School, a limited number of spaces are still available in the founding class—but going fast! Get an online application www.achsparadise.org, or email achsparadise@achievecharter.org. Applications available at Achieve Charter site, 771 Elliott Rd. Stay informed on social media by liking and/or following @ ACHSParadise, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or the ACHS website, www.achsparadise.org. 872-4100. Annual Kids Fishing Day Hundreds of little anglers participate in the annual Kids Fishing Day at Paradise Lake.
briefs, continues on page 7