Magazine: April 2009 Issue
Swing Into Spring
Published: 01-Apr-2009
Though we could use some April showers (fill those lakes!), car enthusiasts are crossing their fingers for sunny skies for Kool April Nites. We salute the grassroots endeavor that was dreamed up by a couple of car-loving guys and has evolved into one of the North State’s preeminent events in the ensuing 20 years. The first show drew 238 cars; this year, more than 2,000 car buffs will converge upon the Redding Convention Center. The real winners? The nonprofits that have received Kool April Nites’ $300,000 in donations.
Spring is a time for renewal, and the Children, Too! program at Shasta Women’s Refuge helps toddlers through teens envision a safe, peaceful future by channeling their creativity. Clay, glue, tissue paper – the medium doesn’t matter for this “meaningful art.” It’s the process that makes a difference. You can check out artwork by these spirited survivors and other North State children during 2nd Saturday Art Hop (see a complete map in the back of the magazine).
Optimism is also a central theme for a group of gutsy North State residents who are afflicted with multiple sclerosis. The Hope 4 MS support group channels humor, positive energy and fellowship to make the most out of life. “We’re not a bunch of woe-is-me’s, sitting around talking about death,” says co-facilitator Robyn Embree.
Certainly, life has its share of uphill climbs – and Ron Fritzke is delighted to tackle them on two wheels. This power-climber pushes his bike beyond its limits by sheer strength, showing each of us that sometimes all you need is determination to push yourself over that hill.
That enterprising spirit is precisely what prompted the Cottonwood Watershed Group to establish Shasta County’s first year-round farmers market. Executive Director Brynn Nolan helps area farmers get the most out of their land without spending a lot – and by using natural methods of farming to keep the 603,000-acre watershed healthy. Another local gem is Lema Ranch, a birding oasis inside the Redding urban landscape. Originally a working mule ranch, this stretch of diverse landscape provides habitat for numerous bird species. Stroll along four miles of paved trails, and traverse the five ponds that are ideal for catching a glimpse of waterfowl and marsh species.
So grab your camera, a picnic lunch and an umbrella (just in case) – there’s much to do and see this month in this amazing place we call home. Enjoy!
Featured Articles in This Issue
Recreation: Bird's Eye View
Published in April 2009 - story: Michael O'Brien photo: Frank Kratofil Birding at the McConnell Foundation's Lema Ranch Lema Ranch is a birding oasis inside the Redding urban landscape. Originally a working mule ranch owned by Chuck and Peggy Lema, Leah McConnell purchased it in the 1970s as an investment property. In the 1990s when the McConnell Foundation needed a permanent home, Lema Ranch was the chosen place. About 20..
Living Room: House Of Straw
Published in April 2009 - story: Kerri Regan photos: James Mazzotta The McCall's Straw Bale House With her effervescent sense of humor, Lynn McCall knew that the jokes were inevitable when her family built a straw bale house. Fortunately, her husband and three teenagers fit into the story perfectly. “I live with the big bad wolf and my three little pigs,” McCall says with a laugh. “Just call me Little Red R..
Profile: Pedal Power
Published in April 2009 - story and photo: Gary VanDeWalker Dr. Ron Fritzke Goes The Distance The last 12 minutes of this bike race make all the difference. It is a steady uphill climb to the finish line. Among the 60 competitors, who began shoulder to shoulder with back and front wheels only a little more than a foot apart, four riders have gapped the rest. One is a power climber who can push his bike beyond the limits by sheer s..
Recreation: Round Em Up
Published in April 2009 - story: Beth K. Maxey Saddle Up For The 2009 Red Bluff Round Up The annual Red Bluff Round-Up draws top cowboys from all over the world and thousands of rodeo fans, and it has a huge financial impact on Tehama County. And it all started with a picnic. It was 1918 and spring in Tehama County – time to move the cattle from the valley to the mountains. Ranchers got together at the A.H. Clough ..
Enjoyables: The Beat Goes On
Published in April 2009 - TOP 10 LIVE MUSIC VENUES The North State is fortunate to have a diverse collection of talented local musicians, and many restaurants, bars, clubs and larger venues offer live music regularly. The votes are in and here are the results! 1. KC Grove, Anderson River Park Rupert Road at Sacramento River, Anderson www.ci.anderson.ca.us/ mosquitoserenade_info.asp 2. Cascade Theatre 1731 Market St, Redd..
