Communities Rising December 21: Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve at the Spot
Happy Solstice. One cold December 21 eighteen years ago today, my daughter was born at St. Mary’s in Reno, coming down to this planet a whole two weeks early, out of a pregnancy of many medical complications, giving neither her father nor I, nor the doctor any advanced warning that solstice morning at 9 a.m. she planned to make her first appearance.
I went home to Greenville that afternoon and realized as we’d planned for more complications that didn’t arise there was very little food in the house. So I left my sleeping newborn with her dad for a few minutes and trekked across the street to the Evergreen with a severe craving for twice baked potatoes and all the fixings. I was in the vegetable area with said potato in my hand when Mary Shero of now Mary’s German Grill, Marsha Roby, and a host of others stopped by to do some caroling. I was serenaded there in the vegetable aisle. It was such a world wind of a day and their heavenly voices both transported me and grounded me right there. I sang along too.
It’s probably right then that I decided that no matter what, I always wanted to do Christmas in Indian Valley whether I lived here full-time or not. As I get ready to pick up my son—thankfully born closer to the end of winter—from the airport this evening, I’m all aglow the way mothers get when all their sort-of-adult children are under the same roof for a brief moment. Warm. Fuzzy. You get the picture.
I’ve heard witnesses of this feeling this last week in the valley. Like the monthly community supper now at the Taylorsville Historic Hall last Monday night awash in good food, a Santa visit and lots of toys to giveaway.
Mary Shero and Christi Hazleton are cooking up a Christmas Eve plan at the Spot for a couple of hours serving up soup and good cheer. Over the last week or so I’ve read and or witnessed much in the way of neighbors helping neighbors get ready for the holiday that it warms my heart and gives me much needed hope for the world at large.
Not as many announcements this week as we get into the big holiday weekend itself. As usual, if you have something you want out there in the universe from Indian Valley, Indian Falls, Canyon Dam, Warner Valley, North Arm, or any of the fire affected areas, please shoot me an email at [email protected].
Christmas Eve
This Christmas Eve, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. the Shero and Hazleton families (Mary’s German Grill and Region Burger) are hosting a holiday potluck down at the Spot. Hot beverages, Christmas Carols and celebrating with neighbors is on the menu. They’re making a hot bean soup as well as desserts.
Book Giveaway at the Library
The Plumas County Library is running a book giveaway from December 5 to 30 from babies to teenagers during open hours. Kids can pick up an activity sheet, complete it, and return to pick out a free book which are also available on the website www.plumascounty.us/593. The Greenville Temporary Branch site is at Greenville High School Room 402. Call (530) 283-6310.
Zone Captains
In order to be a Firewise community we need ‘zone captains.’ If you have some time and would like to volunteer, please send Marsha Roby an email at [email protected]. I know she’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about it and let you know if your neighborhood still needs one.
New Year’s Eve Party
If you’re in town, the fire pits will be blazing and perhaps some of the residents will be lit as well. Welcome to NYE Indian Valley recovery style! Down at the Spot on Pine Street there will be vendors from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., karaoke, the Way Baby will be serving up drinks and late night snacks. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. will be ‘family fun entertainment’ with movies and popcorn and fireworks at 9:30 p.m., along with some axe throwing contests because, why not? The non-stop fun ends at about 12:30 p.m. Say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023 Indian Valley style.
Dixie Fire Resource Center
The Dixie Fire Resource Center (DFRC) is updating its hours of operation. Effective as of January 1, 2023, and will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The DFRC will also be open the third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We encourage the community to visit us during these hours to use our wireless internet and computer access, connect with the Disaster Case Management Program, and access the wide variety of community and fire recovery resources we have available (food, clothing, heating assistance, referrals for employment support, and more).
Plumas Rural Services (PRS) is pleased to announce that Dan Litchfield, the Disaster Case Management Program’s Construction Cost Analyst, will be holding office hours at the DFRC Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. effective immediately. During office hours, those working to rebuild may receive support in understanding the permitting process, reviewing the checklist outlining the permit process, finding a contractor, reviewing contractor bids, etc. Litchfield will also conduct site visits to better answer project specific questions. He will also meet with those needing his assistance by appointment. Survivors can make an appointment with Litchfield by calling (530) 283-2735, ext. 834 or emailing [email protected].
Up-to-date information about the DFRC can be found online at www.plumasruralservices.org/DFRC or by calling (530) 283-2735, ext. 22
