Ridge Business Journal: February/March 2015

www,paradisechamber.com

February/March 2015

Paradise Chamber Installs New Directors

By Monica Nolan Executive Director, Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce

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ach year, Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce holds a semiformal dinner to install its new Board of Directors and to honor community members who have made significant contributions to enhancing the quality of life on the Ridge. This year, the celebration took place on January 28 at the Paradise Elks Lodge, which provided gracious service, catering, bar service and a spacious venue. Guests arrived to the melodious stains of a quartet of musicians from the Paradise Symphony Orchestra; our heartfelt gratitude to Esther Tiedermann, Sylvia Meyer, Maria Walker and Sharla Erich.

The presentation commenced with an invocation by Reverend Andy Torkelson of Paradise Center for Spiritual Living, followed by incoming Chamber President Shannon Hurte’s welcome and introduction of Board members and dignitaries.

On hand were representatives of local and national government: Jason McCormick of Congressman LaMalfa’s office, Saulo Londono from Senator Nielsen’s office, Zack Brown from Assemblymember James Gallagher’s office, County Supervisor Doug Teeter; Paradise Town Council members Woody Culleton, Jody Jones and Scott Lotter; Paradise Irrigation District Directors Sep Carola and Ken Hunt; and Paradise Unified School District Board Member Alan White. Also in attendance were local business owners, chamber members and well-wishers.

President Shannon Hurte thanked Past President Kimball Shirey for his active commitment to community as well as his contributions to the Chamber’s improved fiscal condition, and leadership in sustain-

The 2015 Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors: Andy Torkelson, Tammra Benton, Nicki Jones, Stephen Graf, Dean Fender, Julie Cooke, Steve Crowder, Kelley Conner, Kevin Erich, Carol Peterson, Kimball Shirey, David Shepler, Pamela Teeter, Jay Cooke and Shannon Hurte. ing and growing Chamber events. Our new president looks forward to working toward making Paradise an even better place to live, work and do business. She further stated that having achieved our 2014 goal of increasing operating capital, we are now focusing on growing and sustaining membership, developing resources, and increasing Chamber staffing to better serve our members. She stressed the importance of investing in community by joining the Chamber. Shannon then installed the 2015 Directors.

Paradise Chamber’s 2015 Executive Committee is comprised of President Shannon Hurte, Edward Jones Investments; Vice President Jay Cooke, Professional

Mortgage Associates; Treasurer David Shepler, Wells Fargo Bank; Secretary Pamela Teeter, Inc. Opt. Boutique and Kimball Shirey, Sweeney & Selland Insurance Services and Spencer Shirey Wines.

New Board members installed are: Tammra Benton, Feather Canyon Retirement Community; Dean Fender, Paradise Direct Web Services; Stephen Graf, Pearson Road Collision Repair; Nicki Jones, HeavenScent Candles & More and Bobbi’s Boutique; and Andy Torkelson, Center for Spiritual Living. Returning for another year of service are Steve Crowder, A Stitch Above Embroidery & Shirt Printing;

The Town with a Future

I

Downtown Paradise Safety Project

Since the completion of the project several months ago, we have seen the Skyway between Pearson and Elliott emerge as a recognizable downtown district. Vehicle traffic has slowed to a safer speed, and pedestrian traffic has increased. Efforts are being made not only by the Town, but by service groups, business owners and individuals to beautify the downtown and make it a place people want to spend their time. The Rotary Club of Paradise generously donated planters, benches and trash receptacles that are now installed on Skyway at Foster, and PG&E is donating 36 more planters with trees that will be installed and planted in the spring. These ef-

Chamber members sponsoring tables were Feather River Hospital, Ace Rentals, Sweeney & Selland Insurance Services, and Theatre on the Ridge.

New additions to this year’s festivities were a dessert dash and silent auction.

Generous donations from local businesses, as well as the baking skills of our Board of Directors, helped to offset the cost of the event.

Business Briefs

By Lauren Gill Town Manager, Town of Paradise

was recently reading a book on Paradise history, This Paradise We Call Home, by Lois McDonald, and discovered that “Paradise: the Town with a Future” was the motto of a realty company in 1909 when Paradise was opening its first subdivisions. It struck me as a timeless motto, one that is appropriate today especially in light of the recent activities in and around downtown Paradise. I am pleased to share some updates on those activities.

Kelley Conner, PostNet; Julie Cooke, Pine Ridge Women’s Club; Kevin Erich, CEO, Feather River Hospital and Carol Peterson, Boys & Girls Club.

Glenn Harrington, Artist by Design

Plans for enhancements to the downtown include benches, planters, trees and banners. forts were a direct result of the Downtown Paradise Safety Project creating a downtown we can all be proud of.

continued improvements to our infrastructure, our public safety, and our quality of life.

New Businesses

Downtown Committee – Destination Downtown

Recently several new businesses have opened and are in the process of opening downtown. Stems Flower Bar opened a lovely shop on the Skyway providing beautiful flowers and gifts. Paradise Scrapbook Boutique returned to Paradise and opened its store on the Skyway for all the crafting treasures you need. Bobbi’s Boutique will be opening a newly renovated shop on the Skyway in the spring with fashionable women’s clothing. The Red Dirt Gallery is a fabulous art gallery featuring works from Miles Huffman and Ikoshy Montoya.

Please remember to support local businesses. Shopping the Ridge first not only supports our local economy, but ensures

With all the excitement around the downtown, there was a desire to harness some of that energy. The Destination Downtown committee was formed several months ago to improve the overall appeal of the downtown to enhance the economy, promote private investment and engage public excitement. Made up of local business owners, the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club members, interested residents and Town staff, the group has already held a ribbon cutting event for the Downtown Safety Project and the Rotary Club furniture do-

town, continues on page 2

Support Kids Fishing Day Hundreds of little anglers get an introduction to one of the area’s best outdoor activities—fishing!—at the annual Kids Fishing Day held each April at Paradise Lake.

Paradise Irrigation District (PID) employees and others contribute their time to plan and staff this popular event—to be held this year on Saturday, April 18—and local businesses also support it through donations of funds to purchase trout to stock the lake as well as fishing/outdoorrelated raffle prizes, food for the event’s snack bar and gift certificates for kids. Your business or personal donation to the 17th Annual Kids Fishing Day is tax deductible.

Your donation will be recognized with a banner at the event as well as in our final press release after the event. And even better, you know you’ll be helping youth on the Ridge have fun in our beautiful outdoors as they sample fishing at Paradise Lake! To make a donation, please call PID at 877-4971.

New Women’s Gym Open Local ladies have discovered a gym created just for them with the opening of Ridge Fitness for Women. The gym adjoins Ridge Physical Therapy at 5537 Black Olive Drive. The gym and physical therapy center are both owned by Trish Hopps and Pamme Serafine. The new gym’s manager

briefs, continues on page 6

2 February/March 2015 • Ridge Business Journal

A look back and to the future

By Monica Nolan Executive Director, Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce

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uring the first meeting of the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in January 2014, President Kimball Shirey decreed that our goal would be FUN—an acronym for Financial stability, Unification of members working to promote commerce, all undertaken with No drama. In essence: Finances, Unity, Neutrality.

We finished 2014 with numbers reflecting growth that will likely enable us to pursue our 2105 goal of increasing Chamber staffing levels in order to better serve our members. “F” goal achieved.

Regarding our “U” goal, for unification, I would assess that as ongoing, with the challenge remaining of attracting new members.

Which brings us to the “N” goal. Despite Kimball’s pleas for “no drama,” the drama found us. The Chamber played the role of both stagehand and audience as the Town of Paradise performed some dramatic feats in 2014, including improving Skyway safety, embarking on the enhancement of the commercial environment of the downtown, and ameliorating a municipal budget crisis with a ballot initiative.

Further drama unfolded when Party in the Park Music & Marketplace came under threat of losing its farmers after our longstanding partnership with Chico Certified Farmer’s Market abruptly dissolved. With time and resources in short supply, your Chamber learned its lines, found some producers and ultimately opened the show with farm fresh food and flowers last June.

However, it was a dramatic and emotional experience, as on the Tuesday of Party in the Park opening week, we had one grower.

On Wednesday, we had two, and by Thursday, we had a viable market. Paradise Ridge

downtown, from page 1 nation and is busy planning more events to bring people together downtown. The committee is also working on a banner program so that businesses or individuals may sponsor colorful banners that will be displayed along the Skyway.

Measure C

Measure C takes effect in April, expecting to net revenue that will greatly benefit the entire community. Police, fire and roads are the main focus of the new revenue, which means a safer community

Chamber of Commerce is now a Certified by welcoming local artisans and Farmers’ Market manager with a waiting crafters at a special no-risk rate. list of growers. Thank you Jay Cooke for • The Business Directory your starring role in this performance. on ParadiseChamThe drama continues with pie. There’s a ber.com received saying in the Chamber of Commerce world 119,369 views, an that goes: “If you’ve seen one chamber, average of 295 views you’ve seen one chamber.” I don’t know per member. Most if any other Chamber is as pie-focused as members pay less than we are. Gathering hundreds of volunteers $17 per month for the to bake hundreds of apple pies in order to multiple local advergenerate our operating capital is alternately tising platforms availa comedy and a tragedy of Shakespearian able through Chamber proportion. This year, we threw into the membership: listings in mix a change of venue for the pie baking, the Visitors and Relocaand owe tremendous gratitude to the Partion Guides (online and 10,000 print adise Elks Lodge for providing the stage copies each), the business directory on which this three-day drama was peeled, and merchant gift certificate page on seasoned, rolled and baked. This is a highParadiseChamber.com, free opportuimpact performance, requiring a flexible nities for advertorial content in The and creative approach to house manageRidge Business Journal and display ment, and we look forward to a long and of promotional materials in the Visiflavorful partnership. tor Center. Membership dues are a tax deductible business expense.

Thank you Paradise Chamber directors, and Paradise Community for your con- • The Chamber launched the Ridge fidence in employing me in this extraorBusiness Bulletin, a member-todinarily fulfilling position supplying an member marketing product, and endless source of opportunities for service, newly revamped year-round sponheart, whimsy, and with apologies to Past sorship opportunities. Get a piece of President Kimball Shirey, drama. It’s been the pie; call your Chamber on 877FUN. 9356.

• The Chamber’s weekly events of 2014-- 30 ribbon cuttings and mix2014: Looking Back ers, hosting 475 attendees—celebrat• Your Chamber launched a new logo ened anniversaries, showcased busicouraging local consumers to “Shop the nesses, and on occasion branched out Ridge First.” Further “Buy Local” efforts from cocktails and canapés to feasaw the purchase of $60,430 worth of ture costumed hosts and a stringed merchant gift certificates redeemable septet. For a listing of weekly events, at 88 local merchants. Organizations visit ParadiseChamber.com. supporting this program through mass • After 3 years of tireless and unfailpurchase are Feather River Hospiingly good humored service to Paratal, Paradise Classified Employees Asdise Chamber, office volunteer Jerre sociation, and Paradise Irrigation Bates is now pursuing other interests.

District.

• Paradise Chamber promotes the merchant gift certificate program each holiday season with Ridgefest, a $1000 merchant gift certificate giveaway that drives consumers to participating business to enter the Ridgefest raffle. In 2014, 1398 entrants visited 37 businesses to enter.

• Paradise Chamber became a farmers’ market manager, and expanded the Party in the Park Music & Marketplace

Supporting your Chamber is the ultimate investment in your hometown economy.

2015: Looking ahead

• Five new directors have joined our team, see related article, page 3.

• The Town of Paradise, Paradise Chamber, and community stakeholders are working together to improve the appearance and experience of the downtown. See related article, page 1.

• Party in the Park 2015 will open and close two weeks earlier; dates are June 4 – August 20. Once again, local artisans, artists and crafters will be welcomed at a special rate. For more information and FAQs (Why Thursday? Why not more food vendors?

How can I participate? etc.) visit ParadiseChamber.com/party-park-music-marketplace.

• Plans for Johnny Appleseed 2015 are under way; look for an expanded fest fortified with more harvest-themed fun for young and old.

• Your Chamber hosts a networking event at least once per week. For a listing of events, please visit ParadiseChamber.com, or join our mailing list by emailing info@ParadiseChamber.com.

• Plans are underway to hire a part-time employee in order to better serve our members.

 Spring is Near!



Mangiacotti

with better roads. The Citizen Oversight committee will be appointed by Council on Feb. 24th 2015, and will be tasked with making sure Paradise gets the best use out of those funds. We are taking the bull by the horns and the Town Council is leading the charge to ensure a sustainable economic future for the community.

Keeping our roots in our history, embracing needed changes and improvements, and focusing on the future will ensure a great quality of life for all Paradise residents. Paradise truly is a Town with a future.

Made in USA

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r e h t o and rrivals A w e N

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February/March 2015 • Ridge Business Journal 3

2015 Chamber board welcomes new directors Message from the President Shannon Hurte, Edward Jones Investments As the 2015 President of the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce, I look forward to working with all of you to make sure that Paradise is a great place to live, work and do business. Many thanks to my immediate predecessor, Kimball Shirey, for his long-standing commitment to our community, as demonstrated by his strong leadership in 2014.

Having achieved our 2014 goal of increasing operating capital, we are now focusing on growing and sustaining member-

ship, cultivating resources, and increasing Chamber staffing to better serve our members. To do this, we need your help. A bigger Chamber is a stronger Chamber, so I ask that you help us spread the word about investing in community by joining the Chamber. The work of the Chamber supports every business on the Ridge, and by extension, the community at large.

I am pleased to report one hundred percent retention of our 2014 Board. To this group of dedicated volunteers, we welcome five new faces: Dean Fender, Stephen Graf, Nicki Jones, Tammra Benton, and Andy Torkelson.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Thank you for your support.

New Directors (3-year terms) Tammra Benton, Manager, Feather Canyon Retirement Community Tammra brings a working background involving both self-employment and the retirement industry. Tammra and the staff at Feather Canyon have been avid Chamber supporters and participants, hosting the Chamber and the community at large for Holiday Mixers and other events including car and craft shows. Tammra and Feather Canyon have also participated in the Paradise Chocolate Fest, and engage in fundraising to support our community. Tammra is a firm believer in buying local and supporting Chamber members by shopping the Ridge first.

Dean Fender, Owner, Paradisedirect.com / Fender IT Services United States Air Force veteran Dean Fender has lived in Paradise for 26 years. Also a veteran of the Chamber, Dean has devoted many years of service to this organization. Dean has a BS in business and is a Paradise Rotarian as well as a member of the American Legion. Dean also brings membership development expertise through his past experience as an Air Force recruiter and chairing the membership committee for Paradise Rotary.

Stephen L. Graf, Owner, Pearson Road Collision Repair Raised by a World War Two Navy Veteran and a smart and drivin’ Southern mother.

Work ethics and respect were part of his life from a very young age. He supports our community’s sports and music programs and is happy to be a part of The Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce. He is also proud of the team of employees who make the Pearson Road Collision Repair a success. Previous to his current profession, Stephen worked as an apprentice machinist and also drove a logging truck before commencing his thirty year career in the collision repair industry. Stephen is a member of Le Tip of Paradise, The Paradise Exchange Club, and the California Auto Body Association. Stephen also displays his community spirit by keeping the windows of Pearson Road Collision Repair whimsically decorated.

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Nicki Jones, Owner, Heavenscent Candles & Gifts and Bobbi’s Boutique A Ridge resident for fourteen years, Nicki brings varied retail experience as well as a BS in Business with an accounting focus. Her contributions will include a connection with the Paradise Business Association, for which she serves as treasurer. Nicki is also a member of the Town of Paradise “Destination Downtown” committee. Nicki brings previous experience on the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Andy Torkelson, Minister, Center for Spiritual Living Reverend Andy spent twenty years as a group counselor in Solano County before pursuing his current vocation. Andy and the Center for Spiritual Living have been sponsors and supporters of Party in the Park Music & Marketplace, Eat, Drink, Buy Paradise (AKA The New Member Expo), and ribbon cuttings. Andy also brings experience with board membership at Skyway House. Andy plans to continue his support of Party in the Park and ribbon cuttings, and plans to spread the message about benefits of Chamber membership. Andy also shares his talents and unique world view with the Paradise Post.

4 February/March 2015 • Ridge Business Journal

Chamber Recognizes Community at

By Monica Nolan Executive Director, Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce

Louise Stahl Award

for meritorious service to the Paradise Ridge community:

Alan White

Alan White is prouder of nothing more than being Matt & Sarah’s dad.

Devotion to his children compelled him to be a field trip driver a n d team parent as much as his business and children could tolerate.

Alan served on school site councils at Paradise Elementary, Intermediate, and High Schools, and was board chair at least a half dozen of those years. He served as assistant cross country coach one year, and is a past recipient of the Paradise High School Excellence in Education award. Alan is a newly elected Paradise Unified School District Board Member and has served on the board of Youth for Change. Civic involvement includes service on the Paradise Town Council for sixteen years with three terms as Mayor. Alan has been a member of the Paradise Exchange Club for eighteen years, and is currently club treasurer and Sierra Pacific district treasurer. An accomplished performer, Alan has appeared in Northern California Ballet productions many times, and his credits include Paradise Symphony fundraiser emcee and roles in Perils in Pair O Dice. The owner of Ace Rentals, Alan White supports multiple non-profits through donation and service.

Alice Smith Award

for sustained service to the Paradise Ridge community:

Steve “Woody” Culleton

Of the many things to admire about Woody is where he came from, and the fact that he testifies to it as encouragement to others.

After difficult years of drug and alcohol abuse, he got sober in 1984. Part of his recovery process

was performing service for others. He started volunteering at his church, his daughter’s school, and at Theatre on the Ridge both on the stage and behind the scenes.

That led to involvement with the Gold Nugget Museum, and memorably, casting as the scruffy gold miner in the Gold Nugget Days Melodrama. In 2004, Woody ran for Town Council and is currently serving as a council member.

Woody has been involved in various youth and nonprofit organizations: the Boys and Girls Club, Quota Boys of Paradise, Skyway House, Paradise Chocolate Fest, (running for Chocolate King twice) Paradise Rotary, Paradise Performing Arts Center, Johnny Appleseed Days, and can be seen volunteering as a Town of Paradise snow plow operator and Emergency Operations volunteer. Woody has served on the League of California Cities as the Past President of the Sacramento Valley Division representing 18 counties of Northern California. He also founded the Annual Cowboy Dutch Oven Cook-Off, Annual Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering, benefiting the Boys and Girls Club and the Gold Nugget Museum respectively. Woody was a good friend to Alice Smith for whom this award is named; she would be very pleased to see this honor go to Steve “Woody” Culleton.

Business Beautification Award

for renovation and/or beautification of a Ridge business property:

The Wine Room

An entrepreneurial artist since her teen years, Pam Funk is a true daughter of Paradise. What began as a glass studio evolved into a gift shop with wine tasting, and now with expansion The Wine Room is a destination wine bar and gastropub at the corner of Skyway and Fir Street. Adjacent to The Wine Room is Fir Street Gallery & Gifts featuring art, gifts, jewelry, garden and gourmet items as well as wine. The shop focuses on items made locally and domestically. Promoting artful living is Pam’s mission. Pam’s attention to aesthetics and comfort ensure that the venue is attractive and inviting inside and out. The recent addition of outdoor seating on the Skyway wine patio is attracting new visitors to the Downtown. Pam and her daughter and business partner Carly founded and continue to develop The Wine Room as an expression of their love for Paradise.

Special Recognition Award

for promoting community spirit within Paradise:

Theatre on the Ridge See related article page 5

The Wine Room is a destination wine bar and gastropub at the corner of Skyway and Fir Street.

Special Recognition Award for response to community needs:

Paradise Irrigation District

Last year was a busy one for Paradise Irrigation District. In addition to providing clean, safe and delicious water for more than 25,000 customers in 2014, the district completed a major building project and addressed drought conditions by instituting an effective community-wide water conservation campaign.

Before PID moved to its Clark Road office in 2010, the district’s corporation yard consisted of old apple sheds. The corporation yard now adjoins the district’s administration office in central Paradise, providing greater efficiency and faster response time. A high percentage of the construction work for yard was completed by PID employees—representing about $600,000 in cash savings to the district.

While PID had construction efforts under control, it couldn’t

do much about the year’s dismal rainfall levels. Lack of rain in 2014 called for water conservation for the Paradise community and PID’s customers stepped up to the challenge. Between April and October, they saved 360 million gallons over the same period in 2013.

The district’s education-based conservation campaign utilized a website, community outreach, and the creation of multiple education publications.

Business of the Year

for service to the Paradise Ridge community and contribution to the economy of the Paradise Ridge:

Your Cable Store

Your Cable Store was founded in 2006 by owner Nathan Arendt.

Nathan began selling cables, software and electronics on eBay, gradually developing the hobby into the superstore that it is today. Your Cable Store carries over 500 products and ships all over the world. Products are available on eBay, Amazon, Buy. com and on YourCableStore.com. Your Cable Store receives rave reviews for consistency and accuracy of product detail, excellent customer service, quick shipping and an easy returns process.

A family owned business proud to call Paradise home, Your Cable Store was named exporter of the year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Sac-

February/March 2015 • Ridge Business Journal 5

Annual Awards Dinner

Theatre on the Ridge is truly a jewel of the Ridge. It is one Chamber staff enjoy directing visitors to, informing them proudly that Paradise is home to the longest running community theater in the north state. I could not be more pleased to be a season ticket holder; I have sometimes treated myself to a repeat performance because I quite literally could not believe my eyes the first time around. Not only are all of the actors extraordinarily talented, the ingenuity involved in the construction of the sets and costumes is nothing short of dazzling. I urge you to support this gem of a theatre with season tickets. ~ Monica Nolan, Executive Director, Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce.

Theatre on the Ridge Celebrates 40 Years Chamber vice president Jay Cooke presents the “Business of the Year” award to Nathan Arendt, Your Cable Store.

ramento division in 2014. The business, employing ten staff including husband and wife team Amy and Nathan Arendt, grew because Your Cable Store was committed to its vision of offering an easy-touse website, courteous service, and fast delivery.

The company had $1.4 million in sales in 2013 and expected $1.8 million in 2014.

It also has launched its own brand, called Sendt – a combination of the owners’ names — Searson and Arendt. Sendt has developed a lock for a computer notebook, and a percentage of sales from Sendt products are shared with sustainabilityoriented nonprofits.

Ed Salome Award

for sustained service to the Chamber:

Michael Menches

In 2015, this award, formerly known as the “Volunteer of the Year” award was renamed in honor of Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, retired, Ed Salome. Ed’s tireless service is invaluable in carrying out the mission of Shaunna Jones accepts a special recognition award for Theatre on the Ridge. our Chamber.

Michael began his relationship with the to staff the Johnny Appleseed children’s games, reChamber in 2011 as a junior ambassador. He was a High School cruiting over 50 students. Michael then organized senior at the time, their efforts during the games and converted a comand represented the plex task into an enjoyable and highly successful Chamber by organiz- event. ing and officiating at Michael has maintained his relationship with ribbon cuttings. the Chamber as an enthusiastic volunteer.

He volunteered This last summer he volunteered to help with Party in the Park on Thursday evenings. He worked on a variety of tasks, including event set-up, providing information to patrons and assisting vendors. He was always willing to help where needed.

After Party in the Park, Michael volunteered to plan and organize the Johnny Appleseed games.

He recruited young volunteers to run the games, purchased game prizes and assumed leadership during the festival. He also helped with other aspects of the Johnny Appleseed Days such as set-up, vendor assistance and problem resolution.

Michael is talented, easy to work with and a credit to the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce.

Judy Clemens, Executive Director, and Richard Lauson, Vice President of the Board, Theatre on the Ridge

T

OTR is a phenomenon, one of which all Paradise should be proud. During the past 40 years, other live theatre venues have come and gone in our area, but our town’s own performing arts group has proven its mettle by continuing to grow and thrive, producing over 230 main stage plays and musicals and nurturing future performers through their StageCoach Youth Theatre program. It all began as the offshoot of the Paradise Parks & Recreation Department children’s theatre program when a group of adults decided upon a group of their own.

The inaugural production of Sidney Kingsley’s gritty Jerry Miller and Jan Christensen crime thriller, Detective Story opened to a small enthusiastic as Stanley and Blanche in a crowd in October of 1975 on Streetcar Named Desire the stage at the Paradise High circa 1985.

School gym. This was followed by several full-scale musicals 1776, Fiddler on the Roof, South Pacific and Brigadoon in those early years without their own facility.

It was following a performance of South Pacific in the gym in 1978 that an enraptured audience member exclaimed to one of the actors, “Oh, it was just like Broadway ……. except for the basketball hoops.”

Seeking a better performance venue in the spring of 1979, TOTR took a gamble by taking its production The Wizard of Oz off the Ridge and staging it at Laxson Auditorium in Chico. Local audiences did not follow into the valley and Chico audiences did not materialize. The debt from that mistake was huge and nearly ended it all right then. The TOTR troop needed their own space if they were going to continue.

So it was that summer that a small core of TOTR members with Michael Clemens at the helm took a huge leap of faith and began renovating the old silk screen and woodshop building on Neal Road. Finally TOTR had a home. At first, the old barn of a building proved problematic for staging. Four prominent support posts stood staunchly in the way of daunted directors, but necessity being the mother of invention, those proscenium challenging posts ingeniously became a series of trees, walls, street lamps, and integral part of every set until they were mercifully removed in 1985. Some season ticket holders were heard to say they missed the posts, but surely they weren’t the unfortunates sitting behind them.

Actors who participated at the playhouse during those first years recall that there were times the folks onstage outnumbered those in the audience, but those times were few, and through diligence and determination, and crowd-pleasing shows, TOTR, with the ever present dedication (or insanity) of current Executive Director, Judy Clemens, gradually built its loyal fan base to over 750 season ticket holders over the years. Productions have run the gamut of the classics, dramas, comedies, musicals and melodramas from Shakespeare to Neil Simon, as well as showcasing local playwrights in Len Fulton, Robert Clark, and the current Artistic Director, Jerry Miller, who recently closed TOTR’s 2014 Season with his magical and delightful original musical, Cricket on the Hearth.

Next up in the 2015 season is Peter and Alice, a drama by John Logan directed by Jerry Miller. When Alice Liddell Hargreaves met Peter Llewelyn Davies at the opening of a Lewis Carroll exhibition in 1932, the original Alice in Wonderland came face to face with the original Peter Pan. In John Logan’s remarkable new play, enchantment and reality collide as this brief encounter lays bare the lives of these two extraordinary characters. Shattering in its intensity and fascinating, it is a deeply layered, achingly Peter and Alice opens March 26. wistful, and tenderly sketched Evening performances and portrait of life’s challenges. matinees through April 19.

6 February/March 2015 • Ridge Business Journal

Ribbon Cuttings and Mixers All are welcome at Chamber Ribbon Cuttings and mixers. Leave work on time and bring a handful of business cards and your elevator speech, or grab a friend and come and learn more about your local businesses.

Thursdays, 5:30p.m.

February 26

Digital Print & Design Debrah Emerson, James Richards and Louis Caraballo cut the ribbon for Locking Mailboxes. Contact James or Debrah at 872-4624 to find out more about attractive, secure mailboxes.

T h a n k yo Glenn Harr u ington, Art ist by D es and Dana G ign, ajda of Paradise R otary and Eye Life In st it u for the phot te os.

Gold Nugget Museum 502 Pearson Road March 5

Mixer at Tall Pines

Tall Pines Entertainment Center 5445 Clark Road No-host cocktails and complimentary nibbles.

March 12

Salvation Army Social Services Office

Salvation Army 7015 Skyway (Old Builders Supply building) March 19

Sojourner’s House on the Ridge Board members and volunteers gathered at Paradise United Methodist Church to cut the ribbon celebrating SHOR’s one year anniversary. Pictured are Pat McNeilly, Reverend Bob Chicou, Bob Irvine, Katie Stecher, Teri Perry and Mary Schallenberger

Dove’s Gypsy Heart

Dove’s Boutique and Gallery 5905 Clark Road, Suite A March 26

Ridge Fitness for Women 5537 Black Olive Drive April 2

Bobbi’s Boutique 6181 Skyway March 26

Simplistic Realty 6400 Skyway April 16

LegalShield Paradise Town Council Members and Paradise Rotary were out in force to celebrate Rotary’s donation of benches and planters to beautify downtown Paradise. Pictured are Council member Scott Lotter, Mayor Greg Bolin, Paradise Rotary President Justin Miley and council members Jody Jones and John Rawlings.

Heartshine representatives celebrated their Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting. HeartShine is an all-natural, inner-beauty organization that offers scholarship opportunities to representatives who participate in volunteer community service throughout their reign. For more information, contact Danna Mack-Barnes at (530) 591-3627.

Paradise Chamber staged its first mixer of the year in cooperation with Paradise Rotary and the Paradise Ridge Senior Center.

Pictured are Shannon Hurte, Mike Viale, Wally Hutton, Dina McSpadden and Kathy Maxwell.

The Wine Room owners and staff gather to cut the ribbon. Pictured are Corrine Correia, Carly Metroka, Hal and Pam Funk, Jessica Nott and Lizzie Young.

TBA Paradise

Winners of the 2015 Holiday Merchant Decorating Contest were celebrated at Paradise Chamber’s annual December mixer hosted by Feather Canyon Retirement Community.

Pictured are Jon Anderson, Jennifer Anderson, Tammi and Dean Benton with Feather Canyon’s award for best indoor decorating. Not pictured: Best “Country Christmas” theme winners Real Estate Professionals.

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from 7:00 am to 5:30pm; 530-872is Linda Wolff, an enthusiastic advo- 4624. cate for women’s health with more than a decade of experience in the Paradise Host Lions Turn 75 industry. Linda brings enthusiasm, The Paradise Host Lions is a group knowledge and dedication to helping of men and women working to serve women lead healthier, more enjoy- our community. The club was formed able lifestyles. Billed as, “Your Gym. in 1940 and has been serving our Your Way,” the new facility blends community for 75 years. PHLC is a circuit-style training with traditional member of Lions Club International, exercise opportunities including el- the largest service club in the world, liptical, stationary bike and treadmill. with over 1.35 million members in Members can also mix it up with more than 206 countries. bands, balls and weights; personal The Lions’ main focus is to serve the training is available. The gym features seeing impaired in our community a results-oriented approach to exer- through providing eye testing, glasses cise, weight loss and healthy living. and sometimes surgery as needed.

As members request it, the gym may They also serve by supporting local incorporate additional classes and groups such as the Boys and Girls group activities. Memberships are Club, Guide Dogs for the Blind, The flexible, including month-to-month, Salvation Army and the Paradise contracts, corporate and group rate. Chocolate Fest. PHLC repairs and Ridge Fitness for Women, 876-1087. maintains school bus shelters, provides road cleanup on Skyway, and Secure Your Mail with supplies backpacks for school chilLocking Mailboxes dren.

Locking Mailboxes specializes in the highest security mailboxes available To raise funds, PHLC stages two anon today’s market, with new models nual rummage sales, collects inkjet that not only improve service and cartridges, used cell phones and recypracticality, but also lend lasting value clables, and holds an annual raffle for food, gifts, or gas cards. to businesses and homes alike.

Licensed subcontractor James Rich- The Paradise Host Lions Club meets at ards is experienced in planning, 7:00 pm on the first and third Tuesday consulting, maintenance and instal- of each month at Cozy Diner on the lations. With a Locking Mailbox, you Skyway. Come at 6:00 and join them are secure in the knowledge that your for dinner or call President Gary Glotpersonal identity, private correspon- felty 530-877-7097 for more info. dence, mail and parcels are safe and secure from the time they are delivered until the time you collect them.

Locking Mailboxes works closely with the postal service to make sure that all U.S. postal policies, procedures, and requirements are adhered to.

Locking Mailboxes also carries other products that improve the appearance and enhance the value of your home or facility. The majority of products, such as Key Keepers, are made in the USA. Locking Mailboxes is open

You Stack It - We’ll Chip It! The Chipper Program operates from the end of fire season, typically in November, through May 15. To sign up, call the Butte County Fire Safe Council at 530-877-0984.

How to Stack Rows for the Chipper Program: 1. Stack cut brush and limbs in a row within five feet of the road or driveway edge. Stack with the ends facing toward the road or driveway.

2. Rows should be stacked no more than four feet high.

3. Keep mud, rocks, roots and rootballs out of the rows.

4. Keep poison oak out of the rows.

5. Locate the rows so the truck and chipper can easily access them; no off-road locations allowed.

6. Cut ends must face the same direction, pointing toward the driveway or road that the chipper will used to access the piles.

Please note that chipped material will be broadcast in the area, not hauled away. The Chipper Program does not provide chipping for orchard material or timber harvest material. Limbs up to eight inches and not more than 10 feet in length may be chipped.

Monitor Your Water Usage with AquaHawk AquaHawk Alerting is a free service for Paradise Irrigation District customers that offers more control over water expenses and insight into how water is being used. By registering for an account you will be able to: • See how much water you’re using • Receive alerts when your usage indicates a leak • Understand the current and projected cost for normal vs. unexpected water use • Set alert levels and receive notifications via telephone, e-mail, or text After you register, AquaHawk Alerting will analyze your water consumption.

If your usage indicates a water leak or other issue, you will receive a notification.

AquaHawk allows you to specify an amount of water (gallons) or an estimated bill amount (dollars) that you don’t want to exceed. If your water consumption or bill amount has exceeded or is projected to exceed the threshold value, AquaHawk will send you a notification. Sign up at https:// pid.aquahawk.us/login.

February/March 2015 • Ridge Business Journal 7

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Brush Up Your Tales of Gold for the Annual Gold Nugget Merchant Decorating Contest

t’s time once again to pardner up with the Gold Nugget Museum and the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce to promote our local gold!

Use your business as a platform to celebrate the rich gold rush history of the Ridge, and to encourage customers to visit your festive general store, mercantile, bank, parlor or saloon. Indulge your inner barmaid, shop keeper, crusty ol’ miner or sheriff, and dress the part!

Each year, in celebration of the discovery of the massive, unprecedented and unsurpassed Dogtown Nugget, Paradise Ridge businesses and employees dress according to theme by painting

ONGOING Paradise Ridge Homeless Task Force Meeting

First Tuesday of every month, 6:00pm Paradise United Methodist Church, 6277 Clark Road, across from Cinema 7 Contact Stephanie Gregorio, 872-1162 or shorparadise@ gmail.com

Paradise LeTip

Every Tuesday, 7:00am for breakfast Meets at Cozy Diner, 6371 Skyway

“Tinsel Town Tuesdays”

Every Tuesday, 2:00pm Paradise Ridge Senior Center, 877 Nunneley Road $1 for members, $3 for non members. Admission includes popcorn. 877-1733. paraseniorcntr@yahoo.com

Paradise Rotary Meets at The PLaCe

Every Thursday 12:00 for lunch Paradise Lutheran Church, 780 Luther Drive

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Alternate Saturdays Paradise Library, 5922 Clark Road Book Sale hours 10:00am to 3:00 pm, except holiday weekends

windows, putting up decorations and displays and costuming with everything from burlap to feathers. The merchant decorating contest is a long-standing tradition brought to you by the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce.

“Tales of Gold” is the decorating theme for this year’s merchant decorating contest. In addition to Chamber Ambassador judges visiting businesses and voting on which business did the best decorating job, the whole Ridge community will be invited to vote for a “people’s choice” favorite.

Judges will visit businesses on Tuesday, April 21, and select winners in large

Jerry Miller. Enchantment and reality collide as the original Alice in Wonderland encounters the original Peter Pan. Ticket Prices, $16 General / $20 Reserved / $22 at Door.

(Opening Night - Champagne Reception). . All Other Performances, $12 General / $16 Reserved / $18 at Door. Thrifty Thursday Discount Nights, excluding opening night, $10 at door (subject to availability). Ticket Outlets Chico: The Vagabond Rose. Paradise: Fir Street Gallery & Gifts. Online: www.totr.org Judy Clemens, 877-5760. theatreridge@ gmail.com

Paradise Host Lion’s Club Huge Rummage Sale

February 20 & 21, Friday and Saturday 1:00-4:00 Paradise Veterans Hall, corner Skyway and Elliott Estate sale furniture, sofas, bookcases, tables, chairs, hutches, desks, garden items, collectibles, household items, glassware. Proceeds benefit local programs. Info: Joe DiDuca & Barbara Braun, 8776842 or Mike & Betty Iijima, 327-7315.

Cherry Pie Social

Friday, February 20, 3:00pm Atria Paradise, 1007 Buschmann Celebrate George Washington’s Birthday with cherry pie Paradise Elks Bingo at Atria Paradise! No cost or Every Sunday obligation, please RSVP 530Doors Open 3:00pm 872-3344 Shell Morley, 872Paradise Elks Lodge, 1100 Elks 3344. michelle.morley@atriaLane, Grand Hall, rear entrance seniorliving.com

Samaritan Free Medical Clinic

Every Sunday, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Paradise Lutheran Church, 780 Luther Drive Free basic medical care and mental health counseling.

872-7085

and small business categories. The public will be invited to vote for “people’s choice” candidates through a link on the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce website: www.paradisechamber.com.

IMPORTANT DATES n’ FACTS

• Decoration Contest Entry Deadline for Businesses: Monday, April 6 • Decorate windows, interiors and/or wear costumes; contact the Chamber for ideas!

• Small Business (1-10 employees) and Large Businesses (11+ employees) are welcome to enter.

• Merchants to be decorated by open-

Sunday Champagne Brunch Rock the Ridge

Saturday, February 21, 2:00pm to 9:00pm Paradise Performing Arts Center 777 Nunneley Road Six bands in a free concert.

Free BBQ, children’s games & raffle, donations accepted and encouraged! All funds raised will benefit Vietnam Vets!

Walk with a Doc

Saturday, February 21, 8:00am Chico Mall Cardiologist Peter Magnusson, MD, will lead a walk and give a health-inspiring message. All ages and abilities are welcome! www.enloe.org/ events for dates, locations and topics.

Paradise Symphony Presents: Love Makes the World Go Round

Sunday, February 22, 5:30 pm Paradise Adventist Church Fellowship Hall, 5720 Academy Drive An evening of romance, beautiful music and a complimentary, non-alcoholic beverage followed by a delicious meal.

Chico State’s touring ensemble “The Off-Broadways” perform Broadway hits. Tickets $50.00, available at Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce, PostNet, Fir Street Gallery & Gifts, Fuller’s Flowers, Paradise UPS Store and Music Connection in Chico. Sharla Erich, 809-7099. sderich@yahoo.com

Sunday, February 22, 11:30am Atria Paradise, 1007 Buschmann Road A feast of the season from our chef to you. And enjoy a sparkling glass of champagne to toast the day. No cost or obligation, please RSVP 530-8723344 Shell Morley, 872-3344. michelle.morley@atriaseniorliving.com

Saxophone Quartet

Monday, February 23, 6:45pm Feather Canyon Retirement Community, 5900 Canyon View Drive

ing of business on Monday, April 13 • Chamber representatives will visit businesses for judging on Tuesday, April 21 • Online voting for “People’s Choice” takes place April 13 - 21 • Awards and prizes will be presented at the Gold Nugget Days Appreciation Days Luncheon at the Gold Nugget Museum, Thursday April 23 at 11:30 AM • Enter Now through the link on the Chamber’s homepage: www.paradisechamber.com, or contact info@paradisechamber.com or call 877-9356

Please join us for the timeless musical stylings of a good ol’ fashioned sax quartet. Nikki Nance, 877-2207.

Look Good… Feel Better Class, American Cancer Society

Monday, February 23, 10:00am to 12:00pm Fountain Medical Conference Room, 251 Cohasset Road Chico Free instruction on coping with the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. A licensed beauty professional teaches makeup, skin care tips and suggestions for using wigs and headwear.

Complimentary make-up kit, pre-registration required.

American Cancer 1-800-227-2345.

Society,

Everything Cherry Social

Wednesday, February 25, 2:00pm Feather Canyon Retirement Community, 5900 Canyon View Drive In honor of National Cherry Month, Feather Canyon Retirement will be hosting an “everything cherries” social. Please join us for some tasty treats and some delightful company! Nikki Nance, 877-2207.

calendar, continues

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Peter and Alice

Baker & Baker Agency, Inc. (530) 872-4644 5498 Skyway Ste. A Paradise CA Insurance Agent #: 0H52339

Pay only when roadside services provided. Discounts vary. Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Insurance Co., Allstate Indemnity Co.. Lincoln Benefit Life Co., Lincoln, NE and American Heritage Life Insurance Co., Jacksonville, FL. In New York life insurance and annuities are issued by Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Hauppauge, NY. © 2011 Allstate Insurance Co.

82718

presented by Theatre on the Ridge Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays March 26 - April 18, 7:30pm Sunday Matinees March 29, April 12, 19, 2:00pm Theatre on the Ridge, 3735 Neal Road A drama by John Logan. Directed by

8 February/March 2015 • Ridge Business Journal continued

The Golden Era Band at Feather Canyon

Wednesday, February 25, 6:45pm Feather Canyon Retirement Community, 5900 Canyon View Drive The Golden Era Band is coming to Feather Canyon!

Please join us for the timeless classics and some great company! Nikki Nance, 8772207.

Chilly Chili Day & Happy Hour

Thursday, February 26, 3:00pm Atria Paradise, 1007 Buschmann Road In honor of National Chili Day, warm up to Atria Paradise with a cup of hearty chili and a beer and some great company! Just RSVP the number of guests to 8723344! michelle.morley@ atriaseniorliving.com

Gold Nugget Museum Melodrama Auditions Thursday, February 26, 7:00pm; Sunday, March 1, 4:00pm

Gold Nugget Museum, 504 Pearson Road Auditions for Trouble Bubbles at the Gold Springs Hotel. Parts for men and women of all ages.

Some parts require singing.

Cold reading, no previous experience required. 872-8722. goldnuggetmuseum@aol.com

Dinner with the Doctor

Thursday, February 26, 6:00pm to 8:00pm First Assembly of God, 955 Elliott Road February’s speakers will discuss eye health. Dinner starts at 6:00 pm, lectures at 6:30.

Dinner: $12.00. Lecture: Free.

Presented by Reeve Woods Eye Center. Contact Eden Davis, 876-7154. eden.davis@ah.org

Trip to Feather Falls Casino

Friday, February 27, 9:30am Feather Canyon Retirement Community, 5900 Canyon View Drive Join us for a great opportunity for fun and games at Feather Falls Casino! Nikki Nance, 8772207.

MARCH Hearing Aid Workshop

Thursday, March 5, 1:00pm Atria Paradise, 1007 Buschmann Road Free, hosted by Bartlett’s Hearing Aid Clinic. Come get your hearing aid cleaned and checked! Shell Morley, 8723344. michelle.morley@atriaseniorliving.com

Chico Community Benefit Cioppino Feed & Auction

Friday, March 6, 11:00am to 2:30pm Northgate Aviation Hangar, 109 Convair Ave., Chico Airport, Chico All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the North Valley. Rob Ramay, 345-0840. rob@bidcal.com

Q & A with Assemblyman James Gallagher Chamber Mixer at Tall Pines

Thursday, March 5, 5:30pm Tall Pines Entertainment Center, 5445 Clark Road The Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce and Tall Pines Entertainment Center invite you to leave work on time and bring a handful of business cards and your elevator speech to a business networking mixer. No-host cocktails and complimentary nibbles.

Friday, March 6, 12:00pm to 1:00pm Paradise Square Banquet Room (behind the Chamber), 5550 Skyway The Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce invites you to a BYO brown-bag lunch with California 3rd District Assembly Member James Gallagher.

Assemblyman Gallagher will discuss water, economy, public safety as well as his goals and priorities, followed by Q & A. Please RSVP; seating is limited. Monica, 877-9356. monica@ParadiseChamber. com

Belly Dance Showcase

Exp. April 30, 2015

Exp. April 30, 2015

THE HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US! So is the STRESS! Let me show you how to SUPPORT YOUR ADRENALS So you can ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS!

Tracie Feldhaus Certified Nutritionist

566-6116

Saturday, March 7, 1:45pm Feather Canyon Retirement Community, 5900 Canyon View Drive Sirens In Sanity Belly Dance and special guests will celebrate their love for dance.

Open to the public and all are INVITED. Please help spread the word.

To submit your event visit www.paradisechamber.com

Paradise Symphony Concert

Sunday, March 15, 7:00pm Paradise Performing Art Center, 777 Nunneley Road

Low Vision Support Group

Monday, March 16, 1:30pm Atria Paradise, 1007 Buschmann Road Current information on keeping your vision healthy. Shell Morley, 872-3344. michelle. morley@atriaseniorliving. com

Creole Dinner & Fais Do-do!

Tuesday, March 17, 12:00pm Atria Paradise, 1007 Buschmann Road Enjoy a delicious, authentic Creole dinner before kicking up your heels the Cajun way to celebrate Mardi Gras!

RSVP to 530-872-3344! Shell Morley. michelle.morley@ atriaseniorliving.com

Traditional Irish Dinner and St. Paddy’s Pub & Party

Tuesday, March 17, 12:00pm Atria Paradise, 1007 Buschmann Road Delicious corned beef & cabbage Dinner, followed by Irish songs, party favors and a contest for the best “Wearin’ O’ The Green!” No cost or obligation, please RSVP 530-872-3344 Shell Morley, 872-3344. michelle.morley@ atriaseniorliving.com

Community Bands Concert

Thursday, March 19, 7:00pm Paradise Performing Arts Center, 777 Nunneley Road

Mini-Miss California HeartShine Benefit Pageant & Kids Concert

Saturday, March 21, 12:00 – 4:00pm Chico Theater Company, 166 East Eaton Rd. Suite F, Chico The 4th Annual state pageant for contestants 2 to 12! High energy kids’ rock concert by “Twinkle Time.” www.heartshine.net or on facebook: Tickets $10.00 Danna Mack-Barnes, 591-3627. heartshinepageants@gmail.com

Sunday Champagne Brunch

Sunday, March 22, 11:30am Atria Paradise, 1007 Buschmann Road A feast of the season from our chef , with a sparkling glass of champagne. No cost or obligation, please RSVP 530-872-3344 Shell Morley, 872-3344. michelle.morley@atriaseniorliving. com

The Overstreets Perform

Friday, March 27, 3:00pm Atria Paradise, 1007 Buschmann Road Betty & Gary Overstreet come all the way from Vacaville to perform for us! No cost or obligation, please RSVP 530-8723344 Shell Morley, 872-3344. michelle.morley@atriaseniorliving.com