Indian Valley Rising: Feb 24
This week has been a great one for both remembering history and gaining perspective. My childhood in Western Europe as an army brat has kicked into overdrive. I have been deeply moved by governments around the world flying Ukraine’s flag or lighting up their buildings in blue and yellow (the colors of the Ukrainian flag). Perhaps most impressive and uplifting has been to see Ukrainians stand and fight for their country against an aggressor with so large an arsenal. So even in the sadness we see hope and tenacity and the power of the human spirit to survive. It’s a powerful message to not give up or in even when it seems all is lost.
Indian Valley in this context seems to have it all—and I like feeling lucky to be here and to not have a tank rolling down my street. There is good news across the valley. It may be freezing cold and rebuilding might be crazy expensive but perspective. Perspective is good.
I’d like to remind readers while this column focuses on Greenville, it’s also meant for all rebuilding and information of recovery from the Dixie Fire. I changed the headline this week as stuff seems to be happening across the valley. If you have any information we should get out to our readers, please let me know at [email protected].
Education
Plumas Charter School’s Learning Center gets a new building. Photo Meg Upton
Plumas Charter School Learning Center—formerly housed in the Methodist church annex building in Greenville–has been conducting classes in the Gem and Mineral Building social hall in Taylorsville since the start of the school year. According to PCS Executive Director Taletha Washburn that’s about to change. A portable classroom building was delivered to the site adjacent to Indian Valley Academy in downtown Taylorsville.
The new building has an office, three classrooms, and two bathrooms and Washburn is hoping the learning center will be ready to open by the second week in March.
“We’ll be having an open house of sorts for families, community members and folks who’ve been helping us along the journey,” Washburn said.
Roundhouse Council secured a room in Greenville Elementary School to temporarily house the organization. Roundhouse staff has been going into classrooms and doing the assistance work they’ve always done in the past during this school year.
Greenville Elementary School kids in Taylorsville have new playground equipment to play on at recess and lunch that are current, up to date, and up to code.
A few Indian Valley moms I know and I have discussed having some sort of reception/celebration/dance (what do you get when you cross pollinate a prom with a graduation party?) over Memorial Day weekend. Maybe at the Taylorsville Historic Hall. The idea is that our Class of 2022 is all over the place this year with students graduating independent study, IVA, CHS, QHS, PHS and other schools in and out of the area. What if we invited all the Indian Valley seniors in the class of 2022 home for a celebration regardless of where they will graduate from in June? Cheer them on? They’ve lived through COVID and the Dixie Fire and all sorts of other craziness I’m sure. Are there any parents out there want to take the lead on this? Email me at [email protected] and we can plan.
Banking
A couple of weeks ago, Plumas Bank president and chief executive officer, Andrew Ryback, visited the Indian Valley Rotary to discuss the future of the Greenville Branch of Plumas Bank. Here’s some highlights of his talk.
The back of the Greenville branch burned and there was a good deal of additional water damage from putting out the fire. The contents of the bank were transported to Quincy the day after the fire. Currently the back of the building is being remodeled, including the addition of a new ATM machine and moving the backdoor of the bank closer to the ATM. Opening of the ATM will be contingent on a solid Internet connection.
The bank plans to make an office within the branch building for its branch manager/business advisor Vanessa Leal. Ryback said the bank plan is for her to visit the office on a regular basis to work in person with clients.
Ryback also stated that the front of the bank they plan to make available for community use as a meeting center since it is one of the few structures left in town.
“Plumas Bank intends to maintain its presence in Greenville and wants to provide loans to businesses as we rebuild,” said Ryback.
Post Office
As many of you have probably seen driving down the highway, Crescent Mills post office is back up and running again with a brand new corner. All mail that was being held at the Quincy post office is now available in Crescent Mills. Hopefully we’ll have no more drivers losing control of their vehicles in Crescent Mills. It’s open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
A blue collection box has been installed at Evergreen Market in Greenville.
Those with PO Boxes at the old Greenville branch must still drive to Quincy to pick up mail. A communication from Elizabeth Stanich dated Jan. 10 indicates that “there are no plans to establish a transitional facility” but an encouragement for PO Box holders to establish home delivery by installing a mailbox on their properties. Their consumer affairs office can be reached at (415) 550-5277 if you want to talk to the postal service about it.
PGE
In case you didn’t see this earlier this week, PGE will have a mobile help center on Tuesday, March 1 outside Evergreen Market on Tuesday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting. Staff can answer questions and provide information on reestablishing energy services for rebuilt homes and businesses as well as ask questions about tree removals.
Customers impacted by wildfires who are going to rebuild or have questions are urged to contact PG&E early and apply for temporary power by visiting www.pge.com/cco or email [email protected].
Rebuilding Greenville Resource Center
The moment so many of us have been waiting for: The Rebuilding Greenville Resource Center is moving across the street into the Crescent Country building.
“This move will allow visitors better access to staff and resources at the center. With this move, staff will be able to focus their efforts,” reads the official statement. The efforts of concentration include comprehensive case management, community workshops, heating and cooling assistance, donated goods and resources. The specific date of the move has not yet been announced.
For case management support, contact Nancy Presser at (530) 283-2735 x832 or Irshad Stolden at (530) 283-2735 x831. For heat related needs call contact Penney Robbins at (530) 282-7000 (call or text).
For all other unmet needs, donations, and questions about RGRC, contact coordinator Lara Wheeler via text (her preferred method of communication) at (530) 778-4309, phone at (530) 283-2735, x833.
Speaking to Fire
Plans are underway for Pachuca Productions first event back from COVID. We are hosting what’s called a ‘reader’s theatre’/storytelling event at the end of May. This is open to all community members but especially for youth voices to share your story. We will be working with the schools and choosing stories and poems to be read and shared on Saturday, May 28. What do we mean by story? Do you have an interesting evacuation tale? A cat lost for weeks that made its way back to you? Did you find something when sifting through the debris that made it through that meant something to you? Everyone has a story to tell and people heal through sharing stories. We are also looking for art work about the fire by children to display on that day. Contact [email protected] for more information. Deadline to submit stories is April 30.
Shuffleboard Tournament Fundraiser
Nothing makes me happier than to include a normal annual event in the column. Saturday, March 5 at 5 p.m. is the annual tournament to benefit Indian Valley Community Pool. Players must register by 5 p.m. with the tournament starting at 5:30 p.m. A taco dinner takes place immediately before the tournament from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The dinner is $12 for adults and $8 for kids. The tournamet is $20 buy in and a 50/50 pot. Prizes given out for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Players must be 21 or over.
