• Where to Find Enjoy
• Subscribe to Enjoy
• What People are Saying

Top 10 Hobbies

Top 10 Hobbies

Studies have shown that having a hobby can improve your health and happiness. Some people like to sew in their free time, while others love to golf. What kind of hobbies do you have? Let us know and see the results in the November issue of Enjoy.

Interest Articles

Interest: On The Good Ship

Published in September 2010 - story: Jon Lewis photos: Brent Van Auken THE FLYING ZEPPELIN, AIRSHIP EUEKA, LANDS IN REDDING A bit of romance floated into the North State the other day, bringing with it a glimpse back to the time when luxury travel was as much about the journey as it was the destination. So what if this “bit” of romance is big enough to blot out the sun? That’s just part of the fun of traveling in a..

Interest: Enjoy Exceptional Living

Published in September 2010 - story: Kerri Regan photo: James Mazzotta ENJOY MAGAZINE HITS THE AIRWAVES WITH KLXR AND LYNN FRITZ Can’t wait for your next issue of Enjoy Magazine to arrive? Never fear – there’s now more than one way to get your fix. An innovative partnership among Enjoy, Lynn Fritz and Mike Quinn of KLXR 1230 AM will bring some of your favorite stories to the radiowaves starting in September. ..

Interest: For The Record

Published in August 2010 - story: Gary VanDeWalker photo: Courtesy of RadioStar RADIOSTAR STUDIOS IN WEED Tucked in the center of the small town of Weed is a treasure within a treasure. Poised on Main Street, the façade of the Weed Palace Theater towers over its surroundings, recalling the early vaudeville acts hosted there in the 1920s and the brilliant Hollywood spectacles shown in its later years as a movie theater. The A..

Interest: Frozen Feast

Published in July 2010 - While frozen yogurt’s popularity in the 1980s and ’90s fizzled, business owners serving cups and cones of the soft treat today say they expect to be more than a trend. National and regional franchises, as well as independent frozen yogurt stores, are opening across California, and are catering to consumers looking for healthier food options. The stores complement a healthier lifestyle choice, which ..

Interest: Falling For You

Published in July 2010 - story: Gary VanDeWalker photo: Taryn Burkleo THE RUSHING WATERS OF McCLOUD FALLS At 14, Jeff Summers felt hands push him into the swimming hole below Lower Falls for the first time. He’s been going back ever since, now introducing his children to his favorite swimming place. Lower Falls on the McCloud River is at the bottom of a three-step series of waterfalls, which cascade through a forest canyo..

Interest: Good Knight

Published in July 2010 - (CustomContent_Details.aspx?CustomContentID=5231&ValueID=-1#)story: Gwen Lawler-Tough photo: Kara Stewart A college for our community. Shasta College celebrates its 60th year educating people in the North State this fall and has a brag sheet that’s almost as long as its list of alumni. Its $18 million Health Sciences and University Center provides a home not just to nursing and dental hygiene pr..

Interest: Petal Pushers

Published in June 2010 - story: Kerri Regan photo: Kara Stewart DUNSMUIR'S BEAUTIFUL BOTANICAL GARDENS Wander along a trail that meanders through the Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens and you might discover a couple taking wedding vows, artists capturing a blossom on canvas, children marveling at butterflies in the milkweed or a fisherman grilling a mess of freshly caught trout. The botanical gardens are situated on 10 acres of fo..

Interest: Off The Wall

Published in June 2010 - story: Phil Fountain photo: Byron Cohen FIRESIGN THEATRE PERFORMS AT THE CASCADE It has been more than four decades since a band of four comedic actor/writers sidled up to the microphone at Los Angeles’ Pacifica radio outlet, KPFK, and unleashed a torrent of irreverent raps, audio gags, puns and general mayhem on an unsuspecting listening audience. Since that day in 1966, Phil Austin, Peter Bergma..

Interest: Golden Harvest

Published in June 2010 - story: Jon Lewis photo: courtesy of Far West Heritage Association Who knew wheat could be so fun? Need proof? Visit the Patrick Ranch Museum the weekend of June 12-13 and take in the eighth annual Country Faire and Threshing Bee. There will be tons of fun, says Jan Holman, museum curator and event coordinator. Organizers have put an extra emphasis on entertaining the younger set in the shaded backya..

Interest: Go Speed Racers

Published in June 2010 - story: Melissa Gulden photo: Brent Van Auken SHASTA KART KLUB HAS THE NORTH STATE RACING Right here in the North State, near the airport and Drag Strip, is Redding’s answer to NASCAR – the Shasta Kart Klub. The Kart Klub gives drivers – even meek ones – a chance to slash and burn their way forward like Scott Speed. “To call them go karts is actually quite misleading,&rd..

Interest: Spice Is Nice

Published in April 2010 - story: Jim Dyar photos: Kara Stewart AUTHENTIC INDIAN FOOD SERVED AT PRIYA INDIAN CUISINE Priya is a Hindi word for beloved one. And that’s just how a lot of North State diners feel about Priya Indian Cuisine in Redding. The restaurant has been open just over two years, yet many can’t imagine life without it. It’s the only Indian restaurant in town. “Since we opened, we&r..

Interest: The Fast And The Amphibious

Published in April 2010 - story: Melissa Gulden photos: James Mazzotta INNESPACE TAKES SPEED TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL Imagine a Personal Watercraft that can roll 360 degrees, plunge underwater and then leap clear of the surface. The idea behind the Innespace Seabreacher is to not only swim with the dolphins, but mimic their every move, as well. Like a strange union between a dolphin and an F-16 fighter jet, the Seabreacher is th..

Interest: History In The Making

Published in April 2010 - story: Melissa Mendonca CIVIL WAR DAYS IN RED BLUFF A scar in our nation’s history once famously known for tearing families apart is now bringing them together. Civil War reenactments have been gaining popularity since the mid 1990s, and they have found a large following in the North State. Many families who enjoy camping and learning together at the meticulously researched, period-correct shows whi..

Interest: Making Waves

Published in April 2010 - story: Kallie Markle THE REDDING SWIM TEAM BUILDS A LEGACY Mark Wagner and the other coaches of the Redding Swim Team want their charges to develop into healthy, well-rounded individuals. If those individuals also swim fast, it’s a bonus. The real testament to the success of the program may have more to do with a film reel than a lap pool: several former swimmers have taken the initiative to pro..

Interest: Shining Bright

Published in April 2010 - story: Jon Lewis DUANE TOMEI'S MEMORY LIGHTS UP KOOL APRIL NITES With any luck, the sun will be shining on the thousands of folks who will gather to admire the 2,000 or so hot rods, cruisers and classics featured at the 21st annual Kool April Nites car show. Rain or shine, though, there will be a special light illuminating the Redding Convention Center grounds this year. The spirit of Duane Tomei, one..

Interest: Connecting Women

Published in March 2010 - story: Kalle Markle photo: James Mazzotta The Women’s Fund’s Philanthropic Efforts To speak with Anne Peterson about the Women’s Fund is to be ignited by her earnestness. She is so passionate about making systemic changes in the community that in moments, pessimism and discouragement seem absurd. Really, any member of the cabinet could communicate the spirit of the effort as effectivel..

Interest: Spring Chicken

Published in March 2010 - story: Gwen Lawler-Tough Important Lessons For Raising Chicks In 1996, I thought it would be cute to get some spring chicks from the local feed store for my two young sons. My half-baked idea was to give the chicks to a nearby farmer when they started getting big. I knew nothing about chickens then, and figured there wasn’t much to know, anyway. I figured wrong. We all fell in love with our chick..

Interest: Dress Unscripted

Published in March 2010 - story: Kerri Regan WEDDING DRESSES GET AN ENCORE PRESENTATION The three brides are picture perfect, but there’s not a cake, a guest or even a groom in sight. Rather than walking down the aisle, they jump right into Whiskeytown Lake together – and the resulting photographs are a collection of unscripted, creative, nontraditional art. Many couples are embracing “trash-the-dress” ..

Interest: On The Spot

Published in March 2010 - story: Joshua Corbelli photo: KaraStewartPhotography.com FUN 'N’ GAMES WITH REDDING IMPROV PLAYERS It would be a stretch to say that everybody on Earth likes to laugh. It might not, however, be such a reach to suggest that laughing is a universal language – something that transcends barriers of race, religious affiliation and countless other social barriers. Oftentimes, the funniest moments ..

Interest: If You Build It They Will Come

Published in March 2010 - story: Kerri Regan Redding Community Baseball Field project Ball players? Check. Fans? Check. Land? Check. Now the Redding Community Baseball Field project just needs folks to step up to the plate and write a check. An alliance of local businesspeople, baseball enthusiasts, Simpson University and the nonprofit organization Add Some Color is working to build a regulation baseball field and stadium a..

Interest: Ace Of Bass

Published in March 2010 - story: Jim Dyar photos: KaraStewartPhotography BRUCE CALIN, LOCAL BASS GO-TO GUY If you’ve attended a high-end North State jazz concert over the past several years, you may have noticed the same guy continually behind a well-worn standup bass. And those paying really close attention may have also noticed this fellow performing with the North State and Shasta symphonies, and in orchestra pits for a..

Interest: Tried and Brewed

Published in February 2010 - story: Joshua Corbelli photo: DevenCarter.com CALIFORNIA BREWING COMPANY IN REDDING When Jay Webster imagined his own business three years ago, it didn’t look like this. In his sights were large vats, lots of bottles and a tasting room full of eager beer aficionados of varying maturity. And for a while, it looked as though that’s how things might end up. Then the economy fell out, and so too..

Interest: A Sound Endeavor

Published in February 2010 - story: Kallie Markle photo: Brent VanAuken THE SOUNDHOUSE RECORDING STUDIO Buttons and dials aren’t typical emblems of the artistic process, but for a music producer, they’re as apropos as a paintbrush or lump of clay. At The Soundhouse, a major recording studio in downtown Redding, the buttons and dials are just the beginning. The Soundhouse is the brainchild of Jeremy Edwardson, an acc..

Interest: A Tail Of Love

Published in February 2010 - story: Jamie Weil photo: Brent Van Auken SUNSHINE SANCTUARY FOR KIDS & HORSES Following the 1999 tragedy at Columbine High, Christina Nooner took Jane Paulie’s advice to heart: “Teach kids to be nice to kitties, and they learn compassion for all others.” Substituting horses for kitties, Nooner created a landscape on her 20-acre farm where kids and horses learn responsibility an..

Interest: Allison & Victor

Published in January 2010 - Story: Jim Dyar Photos: Kara Stewart THE TRANQUIL VIBES OF ALLISON AND VICTOR Allison Scull and Victor Martin are seated at a table near the spot where they typically perform at the Post Office Saloon in downtown Redding. On this afternoon, however, there’s not a guitar or saxophone in sight. No microphones are set up to welcome the duo into their usual position. Still, bar patro..

Interest: On The Run

Published in January 2010 - Story: Azriel Relph Photos: Brent Van Auken MARATHON RUNNER TONYA GEERS Tonya Geers never meant to run marathons, but has completed eight over the last 10 years. After finishing the New York City Marathon on Nov. 1, she said eight was enough. “The eight that I did were by accident,” says Geers, 51. “I don’t know if I want to run another one.” Geers, who teaches a bo..

Interest: Moore Old-Fashioned

Published in January 2010 - Story: Gwen Lawler -Tough Photos: Brent Van Auken MOORE'S FLOUR MILL IN REDDING We’ve come a long way from the days when every family baked its daily bread. Every town had a flour mill, located on a stream or river to power its millstones. Then in the late 1800s, giant industrial mills took over, producing flour by the ton with electrically powered steel rollers. Moore’s Flour Mill i..

Interest: Creative, Expressive Palul

Published in December 2009 - Story: Beth K. Maxey Photo: DevenCarter.com RENAISSANCE ARTIST PAUL RIDEOUT Paul Rideout calls himself a Renaissance man – artist, scientist, teacher, writer, philosopher – and for more than 40 years, he’s intertwined art and science to produce unique ceramic pieces with universal themes. As an artist, he was first introduced to clay in 1969 and immediately realized it was ..

Interest: Gettin' Antsy

Published in December 2009 - story: Beth K. Maxey photo: Courtesy of Antsy McClain ANTSY McCLAIN COMES TO THE NORTH STATE Antsy McClain has a day job in the Nashville area, a wife and five kids. Yet he regularly travels all over the country to entertain loyal fans with original songs about life in a small-town trailer park – and his concerts routinely sell out. “He’s one of the warmest, fan-friendly guys you&r..

Interest: Milling Around

Published in December 2009 - story: Jon Lewis photos: Brent Van Auken PHILLIPS BROTHERS MILL IN OAK RUN Edmund Phillips visited his first sawmill in 1877 at age 5 and was mesmerized by the experience. Some 20 years later, in 1897, he established his own mill on North Cow Creek near Oak Run. Six generations later, members of the Phillips clan are still producing timber. A solid, reassuring sense of history permeates the mill, wher..

Interest: Touch Of Technology

Published in December 2009 - story: Kerri Regan photo: Michael Burke BRIDGING THE DISTANCE THROUGH CYBERSPACE Robby Burke scrambles up to the computer and deftly navigates his way to the Internet. The 6-year-old Redding boy can’t wait to show off his blossoming reading skills to his grandmother. Soon, Rebecca Elliot’s face appears on the screen, and the 250 miles between them disappear. While some lament that rapidl..

Interest: Streams of Life

Published in November 2009 - story: Sandie Tillery photo: Heather Armstrong REDDING ABSTRACT PAINTER RAINA PRATT She has entered the world of accomplished artists through the academic door, but her intuitive process gives life to her paintings. Raina Pratt’s Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from the University of Montana in Missoula and the achievements of her academic years have given her the tools to excel while her..

Interest: Action Hero

Published in November 2009 - story: Kerri Regan photo: DevenCarter.com CITY OF ANDERSON RECEIVES HEALTHY SHASTA AWARD You won’t find capes on Anderson’s city leaders, and they can’t leap tall buildings in a single bound. But the city was recently recognized as an Action Hero for its commitment to ensuring that its residents have plenty of places to walk, bike and play. Healthy Shasta honored the 10,500-residen..

Interest: Roll With It

Published in November 2009 - story: Cody Kirch photos: Jesse Rosten 35 YEARS OF FUN AT VIKING SKATE COUNTRY You remember the feeling. The wind hitting your adolescent face as you zoomed effortlessly around the smooth oval roller rink. Kaleidoscopic disco lights piercing the darkness, reflecting off the walls and ceiling, while ‘70s music pumped at full volume from the speakers suspended above your indoor skating sanctuary. Yo..

Interest: Divine Wine

Published in November 2009 - story: Beth K. Maxey photos: Brent Van Auken NEW CLAIRVAUX WINERY PRODUCES FINE WINE There is a sense of “rightness” about the New Clairvaux winery, a synchronicity of nature, nurture and heritage that has accomplished what many have tried to do for more than 163 years: grow healthy grapes to produce unique, flavorful wines. THE GRAPES The fertile vineyards first saw grapes planted by ..

Interest: Honoring The Fallen

Published in November 2009 - story: Jon Lewis photo: Brent Van Auken MISSING IN AMERICA PROJECT HONORS OUR FALLEN VETERANS They served our country, and then they were stashed away by the thousands. The cremated remains of veterans are on the shelves of funeral homes and hospitals across the country. They are silent and unclaimed; their efforts in service to America largely forgotten. Forgotten until now, thanks to the work of R..

Interest: Honoring The Fallen

Published in November 2009 - story: Jon Lewis photo: Brent Van Auken MISSING IN AMERICA PROJECT HONORS OUR FALLEN VETERANS They served our country, and then they were stashed away by the thousands. The cremated remains of veterans are on the shelves of funeral homes and hospitals across the country. They are silent and unclaimed; their efforts in service to America largely forgotten. Forgotten until now, thanks to the work of R..

Interest: Leaders In The Making

Published in November 2009 - story: Kerri Regan photos: Michael Burke, Jesse Rosten, Lyn Rosten THE MCCONNELL FOUNDATION MAKES FUTURES BRIGHTER Kalyn was on the verge of giving up. The McConnell Foundation had recognized her tremendous promise, awarding her a sizeable scholarship to pursue a marine biology degree – and as the first member of her family to attend college, she couldn’t wait to get started. Yet as the seme..

Interest: Thankful Giving

Published in November 2009 - story: Kerri Regan REDDING ROTARY THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE It’s more than a turkey and the trimmings. It’s a gesture of goodwill, generosity and compassion – an affirmation that the kindness of strangers can lift you up when times are the toughest. Redding Rotary is in the midst of its annual Thanksgiving food drive, which brings turkey dinners and a week’s worth of groceries to..

Interest: One Man's Treasures

Published in October 2009 - story: Jim Dyar BRUNO TOMAINO TURNS ONE MAN’S JUNK INTO BEAUTIFUL ART Bruno Tomaino stares at a photo of a burned-out building with no roof and fresh snow lining the base. He raises his eyes. “That’s how my heart felt … cold and empty,” Tomaino explains. The photo is from the small town of Roosevelt, Utah. It was what remained of his successful auto repair shop, whic..

Interest: Ride On

Published in October 2009 - story: Jon Lewis photo: DevenCarter.com BIG BIKE WEEKEND ROLLS INTO THE REDDING CONVENTION CENTER Kool April Nites has staked out its spring territory, but when the leaves start to turn brown, it’s time for the two-wheeled vehicles to roll into town. And rumble into town they will when Big Bike Weekend, celebrating its 10th year, sets up shop Oct. 9-11 at the Redding Convention Center. Whi..

Interest: Fiddle Fabulous

Published in October 2009 - story: Beth K. Maxey photos: Brent Van Auken WESTERN OPEN FIDDLE CHAMPIONSHIPS Red Bluff residents always know when the third week in October hits, even without looking at the calendar. Fiddlers stroll the streets playing lively old-time tunes and show up at shopping centers and meetings to entertain and entice listeners. It’s Western Open time. Fiddlers from across the country have gathered i..

Interest: Star Struck

Published in October 2009 - story: Jon Lewis THE STARS ARE OUT AT THE SCHREDER PLANETARIUM Who doesn’t get a thrill seeing a shooting star streaking across the nighttime sky? That same thrill is available during the day, thanks to some digital technology housed at the North State’s only astronomy public education center. Students can revel in the excitement of a fiery meteorite or asteroid at 10 am on a school day. ..

Interest: Dream A Little Dream

Published in September 2009 - story: Sandie Tillery photo: Julie Eaton MARQUIS SHASTA HEALTH CARE Sweet Ruby sits with a screwed-up face, confusion evident, as she twists the lap belt that keeps her secure in her wheelchair. I caress her shoulder and kiss her gently on the cheek before greeting her cheerfully. She perks up, and with her characteristic warmth, says, “Oh, how you doin’ today?” I think she knows it&rs..

Interest: Driven to Perfection

Published in September 2009 - story: Sandie Tillery photo: DevenCarter.com DARRYL KUNI AND JESSE DENTON - TWO GENERATIONS OF CAR BUILDING It’s more than a hobby. It’s really a subculture with a language all its own. They call themselves “car guys.” Darryl Kuni got excited as a young man about street rods at the 1962 Oakland Roadster Show. He dreamed of one day building a car that would qualify for entr..

Interest: Play Time

Published in August 2009 - story: Jim Dyar Riverfront playhouse’s big plans for downtown redding Trying to raise big dollars in a stagnant economy is no easy task. But the members of the Riverfront Playhouse Capital Campaign Committee are motivated by a singular vision. They know a new theater in downtown Redding will provide an enormous boost to the community. “It’s such an important part of the revitalization ..

Interest: Canines Compete

Published in August 2009 - story: Sue Edmon photos: MaxDogPhotos.com Reddings Flyball And Splash Dogs There’s something irresistible about a toy-obsessed dog. He drops his treasure at your feet and watches hopefully with those big brown eyes, tail whipping side to side. When you toss it for him, he’s so thrilled you can’t help but smile. But that smile fades at around the 30th throw, when your arm feels like ..

Interest: An Alpine Fourth

Published in July 2009 - story: Gary VanDeWalker Mt Shasta Celebrates The 4th Of July Over a four-hour span, more than 5,000 people will walk amid an array of people on stilts, rock bands, opera singers and food vendors under the shadow of sun-drenched Mt. Shasta. This two-mile stretch of road, in the town named after the looming mountain, has hosted this event every Fourth of July for the past 30 years. John Thelander and hi..

Interest: Majical Music

Published in July 2009 - story: Jon Lewis photo: DevenCarter.com Majical Gives Redding Some Latin Spice Jorge Arguello is adding a dash of magic to Majical, his venerable Latin band that has been spicing up the local music scene for the past 13 years. Arguello figures his fans have heard enough Santana and Jimmy Buffett covers, so gone is his electric guitar and in its place is a bass. To complete the musical makeover, Argu..

Interest: Songs Of Summer

Published in July 2009 - story: Michael O'Brien Birding At Anderson River Park Birding At Anderson River ParkLooking for a quality place to watch birds? Look no further than Anderson River Park. Its wide variety of bird species are attracted to this area’s diverse range of habitat. Freshwater marsh and ponds, a major river, open fields, streams, an oak and mixed deciduous forest, and the birds that thrive in such areas can ..

Interest: Much Ado

Published in June 2009 - story: Jim Dyar The Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland annually attracts some 125,000 people to its 11-show season, which runs from February through October. If you’ve ever been one of those attendees, you’ve experienced the creations of Richard L. Hay. The Tony Award-winning festival, established in 1935, is dedicating its current season to Hay, the man who designed all three of the OSF&r..

Interest: Sundial Shindig

Published in June 2009 - story: Kerri Regan Celebration At The Sundial Bridge The Sundial Bridge is not only a breathtaking pedestrian bridge – it’s also the world’s tallest sundial. And in honor of the one day per year that it tells time precisely, Turtle Bay Exploration Park will host some of the bridge’s most ardent fans there to celebrate the summer solstice. The park’s annual Summer Solstic..

Interest: Leader Of The Pack

Published in June 2009 - story: Jon Lewis Pack Your Bag And Head Out To The Great Outdoors Summer’s hot days and warm evenings make it a good time to consider a trip up to the cool mountains. And if you’re heading up to the hills, why not take (most of) the comforts of home along with you? Therein lies the fun of backpacking, and living in the North State means there is no shortage of alpine opportunities, ranging..

Interest: Solid Foundation

Published in May 2009 - story: Kerri Regan photos: provided by The McConnell Foundation The McConnell Foundation Part 1 “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”– Martin Luther King, Jr. Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The Sundial Bridge. Redding’s Freedom Festival fireworks spectacular. Renovation of the Cascade Theatre. Shasta Community Health Center. S..

Interest: Local Mediterranean

Published in May 2009 - story: Adam Mankoski photo: Kara Stewart Dining At Dunsmuir's Cafe MaddalenaA window-side table at Dunsmuir’s Café Maddalena allows the perfect view of the North State’s changing seasons. Snow banks disappear, ice crystal-encrusted trees reveal green buds and wildflowers peek from thawing earth. Stand outside on Café Maddalena’s wrap-around porch, and the view through the dis..

Interest: The End Of The Road

Published in May 2009 - story and photos: Jean Bilodeaux When You Think You've Driven Too Far, You Are Just About To Cedarville Ever been to the end of the road? You might want to give it a try. Nearing the eastern end of State Highway 299, the road tops the geographically isolated Warner Mountain range. The earth drops away as the traveler twists down a dramatic fault line escarpment into Surprise Valley. Originally named S..

Interest: Cultural Broadcast

Published in March 2009 - story: Kerri Regan photo: James Mazzotta Shasta County Mien Radio Network It’s just before bedtime and three generations gather around the simple wooden box. With the flip of a switch, familiar voices fill the living room, relaying the week’s news, sharing personal stories, chanting cultural tales. For almost eight years, the Shasta County Mien Radio Network has brought information and ..

Interest: Have Your Cake And Eat It Too

Published in March 2009 - ROLAND WINBECKLER'S SERIOUSLY SWEET CAKES Story: Kerri Regan Photos: courtesty of Roland Winbeckler Roland Winbeckler is a seriously sweet artist. His show-stopping, life-sized cakes have earned him a spot on the Food Network’s “Food Challenge,” where he’ll have eight hours to create a replica of a Sesame Street celebrity out of cake. He’s no stranger to the craft..

Interest: Frame of Mind

Published in March 2009 - THE SUNDIAL FILM FESTIVAL SHOWCASES THE CREATIVITY OF THE NORTH STATE Story: Kerri Regan Photo: courtesy of Kara Stewart On a mid-December morning in 2007, Mark Lascelles invited about 20 colleagues to breakfast to toss around a lofty question: Could we create a film and photography festival to showcase the finest work of some of the North State’s most creative artists? The answer was a res..

Interest: Silent Sentinel

Published in February 2009 - Little Shasta Church story: Gary VanDeWalker photo: photographybytaryn.com The Shasta Valley in Siskiyou County is filled with silent sentinels who guard the invisible histories of generations past. Mysterious lava rock fences line fields, marking boundaries of ancient families who no longer know this land. Weathered barns draw the wind through their wide doors, whispering the tales of the small towns a..

Interest: One Big Band

Published in February 2009 - The Redding-Based Straight Ahead Big Band story: Gwen Lawler-Tough photos: provided by Straight Ahead Band The evening is still young and the dance floor beckons. Who can sit still when the 18-member Straight Ahead Big Band’s commanding rhythm fills the room with one of its great jazz charts, like “All of Me”? Vocalist Nancy Fischer brings it all home when she sings: “You took th..

Interest: Time Stands Still

Published in January 2009 - CONE - KIMBALL PLAZA Story & Photos: Beth K. Maxey For nearly 100 years, the tall Victorian clock tower atop the Cone- Kimball building in downtown Red Bluff was considered the “heart” of the city, a unique monument that set it apart from other North State river towns. Built in 1886, the gas-lit Cone- Kimball building was declared by a San Francisco newspaper to be “the finest bu..

Interest: Blue Santa

Published in November 2008 - Operation Blue Santa Delivers Cheer With sirens wailing, a swarm of patrol cars pulls up to a motel. A man in blue climbs out of one, wearing a badge and a Redding Police Department nametag – but his fluffy white beard and jolly round belly make him look suspiciously like someone who hails from parts much further north. Sure enough, his helpers pull festively wrapped packages out of the squad cars ..

Interest: Warm Fuzzies

Published in December 2008 - Kathy Grimes' Feltpaca Products Picture this—on one half of a balance sheet, there’s a CPA who grew up in suburban Minnesota and works fulltime as Mercy Medical Center’s business systems analyst. On the other, there’s an imaginative designer and maker of unique alpaca fleece clothing, blankets and accessories who also raises the alpacas and processes their fleece. If you find it ha..

Interest: The Care They Deserve

Published in November 2008 - VA Clinics in the North State Helping Our Veterans Story: Sandie Tillery Nowhere has Pete Privitt seen such an outpouring of support for American veterans than in the North State. He has served veterans in the health care industry for 29 years, and since November 2007 has served as site director for the Shasta-butte Veterans Administration health care system which covers Chico, Redding and outlying commun..

Interest: Hay Baby

Published in November 2008 - Morgan MacFarland - Beanie Baby Designer Story: Derri Regan Though 9-year-oldMorganMacFarland has a “gazillion” stuffed animals, her favorite isn’t even part of the family yet. She’s watching her mailbox for the arrival of Charlie the Lazy Cow – her very own creation that garnered more than 30,000 votes to win the 9-and-under division of Ty’s “MakeMy beanie!&r..

Interest: Echoes of the Past

Published in October 2008 - Historic City of Fort Jones Story: Gary VanDeWalker Photos: photographybytaryn.com Small towns carry echoes of greatness. Where Highway 3 passes through Fort Jones, the footsteps of great people are heard by the traveler who stops to listen. Small shops, galleries and homes line the road, whispering of frontier beginnings. Originally named Scottsburg, the pioneers planted their homes, one mile from Fort..

Interest: Abundant Harvest

Published in October 2008 - Enjoying the Fruits of our Labor, Edible and Otherwise Story: Kerri Regan From spring’s seeds and summer’s sun, a bountiful autumn harvest grows. Baskets full of apples, squash and nuts are among the plethora of homegrown delights that North State gardens yield as searing heat gives way to cool breezes. The Happy Valley Farm Trail, established in 1987, boasts a host of picked-fresh-daily p..

Interest: Think Pink

Published in October 2008 - A Nationwide Movement Started in the North State Story: Sandie Tillery & Kerri Regan It started with 500 pink bags handed out on a street corner, the vision of a trio of passionate North State health care providers who had watched too many women die of breast cancer. Today, the grassroots “Think Pink” effort has exploded into a powerhouse movement that has gained momentum far beyond it..

Interest: Redding Beer & Wine Festival

Published in September 2008 - A Downtown Art Affair Builds Community Story: Kimberly Carlson As the days get shorter and the weather cools, local breweries, wineries and restaurants gather to share some of their finer selections at Redding’s 12th Annual Beer and Wine Festival. Chefs will give food demonstrations and then pair their culinary delights with a wine or beer during the Sept. 20 event. Mandee Carlson, who has frequ..

Interest: Life in the Fast Lane

Published in September 2008 - Team Yellow's Generations of Racing Story: Todd McBain Photo: Nikole Kirby Meagan Warner still has five years before she can legally drive along California’s roadways. But the seventh-grader at University Preparatory School in Redding is already an experienced driver with a license, who regularly speeds at over 70 mph. She doesn’t receive tickets for going fast, instead she’s awarded t..

Interest: It's in the Gene's

Published in September 2008 - Gene's Hamburgers a Redding Icon Story: Jon Lewis Photo: Lowell Martinson Back in 1954, Mike Nash had a pretty sweet routine as a fourth-grader at Cypress School. Every day, he’d walk over to Gene’s Hamburgers for lunch. His order never varied—a cheeseburger and a strawberry shake. That little noontime extravagance would have set Nash back 24 cents alone for the cheeseburger. Lucki..

Interest: Raising the Roof

Published in August 2008 - The removal of the downtown redding mall's roof (part 2) Story: Jon Lewis Mary Stegall moved to Redding in 1992 and quickly realized there was a problem with the downtown mall: it was on its death bed and threatening to take the rest of downtown with it. “The heart of the city was being ignored,” says Stegall, who made revitalizing downtown a central issue in her successful Redding City Co..

Interest: Get Fired Up

Published in August 2008 - Make you own creations at all fired up. Story: Melissa Gulden Photos: Kara Stewart Paint. Glaze. Fire. Repeat. Sound like directions only a well-trained artist could follow? Not anymore. Just ask Susan Cortopassi, the passionate owner of All Fired Up! and she’ll tell you. “You don’t have to be an artist to come in and paint ceramics. We’ll help anyone along.” As..

Interest: Vineyard Volunteers

Published in August 2008 - Burnsini Vineyards in Cottonwood Story: Sandie Tillery Photos: Kara Stewart Sometime from mid-August to mid-September, Burnsini Vineyards in Cottonwood will be filled with the happy sounds of friends and neighbors bantering and joking over heavy-laden vines. “Will work for food” takes on a new twist with this crew, because that is literally what they are willing to do. When Tom Burnham tells..

Interest: Ice Cream Social

Published in July 2008 - Story: Gary VanDeWalker Etna's Historical Soda Fountain Don Murphy’s voice makes customers want to eat ice cream. Across the marble counter, his words resonate as he makes eye contact with a young boy to ask, “Scott, what can I get you today?” Every scoop of ice cream is a show of fluid movement as the man’s hands bring the treat from the fountain to the waiting fingers of his youn..

Interest: Ceiling the Deal

Published in July 2008 - Story: Jon Lewis When Downtown Redding Covered Up Today, you’d have to squint pretty hard to see it, but some 33 years ago, when the streets were blocked off and roof went up, the mall in downtown Redding was quite the deal. “People were hopeful it would bring a resurgence to downtown Redding,” recalls Gary Lewis, who was 22 when the mall was created. Lewis, now the president of Shas..

Interest: Old Glory

Published in July 2008 - Story: Gwen Lawler-Tough Redding's Majestic Enterprise Flag Driving on I-5, it catches you unawares: The sight of our huge American flag flying high over the land. In these moments, you share the pride that patriots have felt since Betsy Ross sewed the Stars and Stripes. The Enterprise Flag, bordering Interstate 5 on North Bechelli Lane, has flown since Sept. 11, 2002. The Enterprise Lions Club is the..

Interest: Time Machine

Published in June 2008 - Story: Gary VanDeWalker The Siskiyou County Museum Mike Hendryx builds time machines transporting people into the past. From the Native American salmon nets poised over raging waters to the quiet parlor games of pioneer women, his creations introduce guests to the experience of times once hidden away in boxes in attics, bringing them to life for all who will join the adventure. For more than 20 years, Hen..

Interest: Get Inspired

Published in June 2008 - Story: Kerri Regan Redding's 2nd Saturday Art Hop While browsing for a fabulous new pair of shoes in a quaint downtown boutique, a local artisan’s jewelry display catches your eye. A few blocks down at a toy shop, you stop to watch a troupe of street performers. Across the street, as you check out the latest digital camera technology, you’re captivated by a photography exhibit. Next, you c..

Interest: The Stars are Out Tonight

Published in June 2008 - Story: Erik Anderson 77th Annual Shingletown Star Party In the heart of the vacationers’ paradise of Northern California, the charming community of Shingletown enjoys an unrivaled proximity to the heavens. Even its street signs betray hints of celestial intimacy, with avenues such as Starlight Pines Road, Constellation Drive and Meteorite Way. And once every summer, an abandoned airstrip at a 4,000-..

Interest: Full Bloom

Published in May 2008 - Story: Irene Castro Upcountry Gardens in Shingletown The entrance of Upcountry Gardens evolves and blossoms as the season changes. In the display areas, the gardens are living demonstrations of how trees, shrubs and plants can be used in the local environment. The owners of Upcountry Gardens, Nick and Holly Zydycrn, embrace the opportunity to help customers navigate their gardening challenges. Altitud..

Interest: Home of the Brave

Published in May 2008 - Story: Sandie Tillery Northern California Veterans Cemetery The carillon rings out the hour with clear precision, followed by “America,” an anthem to the freedom so valiantly preserved by the soldiers interred at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery. On an isolated knoll in the foothills southeast of the Trinity Alps with mountains rising in the distance on three sides in tribute, th..

Interest: A Legacy of Legends

Published in April 2008 - North State Women in Rodeo Story by: Sandie Tillery The western way of life continues to weave its threads through the warp and woof of the North State. Though cowboys so often get the most attention during rodeo season, the contributions of female performers, competitors, stock handlers and support volunteers are as spectacular and essential as their male counterparts. The National Cowgirl Museum and Hal..