P icnics, gifts, special OCCASIONS
    Patrick and Donata at CafÈ LeCoq in Quincy have come up with a rather novel idea: They are taking orders for “picnic baskets” or “backpacks” that are stocked with delicious foods like their mouthwatering filet mignon, breast of duck or prawns with all the appropriate accompaniments. These are ideal to take home or on the road for that special afternoon or evening or to give as a gift for those special occasions.

New paint store manager
    Ken Wilkinson has decided to hang up his paintbrushes and is back managing Corlin Paint in Chester. Ken says that he and the store’s owner, Rocky Niles, have formed a partnership that combines their 50-plus years of experience in the painting industry.

Spring wellness faire
    A Spring Wellness Faire is set for Saturday, April 17, from 10-4 p.m. at Good Vibrations in Chester. The ladies there said they have several presenters who will share their wisdom on healthy living topics including, but not limited to skin care, massage, aromatherapy, inspired cooking and effective parenting. Other Faire events include a healthy and organic community supper at the Holy Spirit Episcopal Church Thursday, April 15, and a bonfire and drumming at Peterson’s Place Friday, April 16, at 7 p.m.

Birth partners turns four
    Birth Partners is celebrating the beginning of its fifth year of providing pre and postnatal, breast-feeding and early infant services to families in Plumas and Lassen Counties.  Pregnancy mentoring includes group and individual childbirth education classes, skilled hospital or home labor and delivery support, certified lactation educator services, bellycasting, resources, referrals, and workshops on breastfeeding, infant-toddler sign language, and early infant parenting.  Group childbirth education classes for teen parents began April 5 in Indian Valley, with others to follow elsewhere this spring and summer.

Contest winners at two stores
    As is always the case when Barbara and Lisa have an event at their Crescent Mills store, the turnout for their annual Spring Fling adult Easter egg hunt was once again a huge success. Congrats to Greenville resident Darla Gonzales, she found the “golden egg” worth $50!

    x The leprechaun at Lassen Gift Company in Chester couldn’t hide from everyone during their March Madness event. Those lucky enough to spot the lucky little guy — hiding in different spots throughout the store — received an additional discount, plus their names were entered into a $100 shopping spree that Jeanette Cowley won.

anniversaries noted…
    Owner Ken Anthony is celebrating his third anniversary this month with the Twenty Garage in Chester behind the Kopper Kettle. In addition to being a full service repair facility for foreign and domestic cars and light trucks using computerized diagnostics, Ken now provides smog certifications.

    It’s the seventh year for Dan and Carla Day, who own and operate High Sierra Landscape in Quincy. They specialize in the design and installation of unique mountain landscapes with an added emphasis on ponds, streams and other water features.

    April marks the beginning of the 30th year for Slusher Plumbing, now settled in their new, larger digs at 681-B Main St. in Chester. In addition to “Slusher fixing your flusher,” over the years Dave and his crew have added sewer and drain cleaning, thankless water heaters, radiant heating and are certified for backflow testing and repair.

Two attend national conference
    Wendi Durkin and Marc Vieira of Prudential Lake Almanor Real Estate recently attended Prudential’s national conference in Austin, Texas.  The convention provided brokers and agents the opportunity to develop skills and network with peers. “Attending allowed Marc and I to receive the tools needed to augment our training methods and further develop our real estate skills,” said Wendi, who is the broker/owner, Prudential Lake Almanor Real Estate.  “It’s imperative for our sales professionals to have the knowledge and experience to continually promote the Prudential Real Estate brand, increase their productivity and help our company recruit and retain top-notch professionals.”
Wendi also said they enjoyed the humor and knowledge speakers Scott Hamilton, Olympic figure skater, and Bill Rancic, winner of TV’s first episode of  “The Apprentice,” shared with attendees.