Fortuna Chamber Quarterly Newsletter, Summer 2021 by North Coast Journal

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID EUREKA, CA PERMIT NO. 76 ECRWSS

Summer 2021

Q U A RT E R LY N E WS L E T T E R

COMING SOON

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735 14th Street Fortuna, CA 95540 (707) 725-3959 www.fortunachamber.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020-21 CHAIR OF THE BOARD Kelly Isaacson, Umpqua Bank VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD Bailey Davy, Cornerstone Realty AMBASSADOR CHAIR Laura Morris, Coast Central Credit Union DIRECTORS Becky Giacomini, Retired Crystal Lewis, Crystal Lewis State Farm Insurance Gary Ogle, AFLAC North Coast/ Gary Ogle Insurance Services Fred Robinson, Edward Jones Katy Roe, Umpqua Bank Melissa Sanderson, North Coast Journal Cathy Whitchurch, PC Whitchurch FINANCIAL ADVISOR Greg Thomsen, Wyatt, Whitchurch & Andersen STAFF Renee Lindsay, President & CEO Erin Tyler, Office Assistant

contents

President’s message

Welcome new members

Chamber Member Spotlight

10 Meet the Newest Member of the Squad 11 Whitchurch Engineering Reaches 25 Year Hallmark 12 Celebrate Our Graduating High School Seniors 13 Redwoods Rural Health Center Opens Fortuna Satellite Office 13 Cornerstone Realty Under New Ownership 14 Humboldt Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention Needs Your Input 15 Wood Street Chapel Opens Foster Closet 16 Fortuna Skate Park and Fortuna Chamber Fundraiser 17 Accurate Termite & Pest Solutions Opens New Office 19 The Fortuna Farmers’ Market is Back 19 Rodeo week Chili Cookoff Restaurant Contest 20 Fortuna Community Garden Project 20 Thirsty Bear Lounge Grand Reopening 21 Practice Your Bike Skills at Newburg Park Course 22 Fortuna Loyalty Card

ON THE COVER The Fortuna Garden Club recently donated a fireglow Japanese maple tree for Arbor Week in the garden between the Chamber office and the Fortuna Library.

PRESIDENT ’S MESSAGE

ummer is just around the corner. Students are graduating, events are being planned, and tourists will soon be arriving. In July, we will celebrate 100 years of the Fortuna Rodeo and 30 years of AutoXpo. Both events are moving forward and, while they may look a little different than years past, the city will be abuzz with activity and excitement. The Chamber will be hosting a Restaurant Chili Cookoff Contest this year during Rodeo Week. Thanks to our sponsor, Redwood Capital Bank, we will have prizes for the restaurant with the best dish as voted on by participants and ten random drawings worth $50 each. Soon, otter sculptures will be popping up around Fortuna and all over Humboldt, Del Norte, and Mendocino counties. You can read more about the project at otterart.humboldt.edu. A few weeks ago, the Fortuna Garden Club donated a beautiful Fireglow Japanese Maple (see cover photo) to replace an older tree that had died. It is a beautiful addition to the garden. We appreciate the service and hard work of the all-volunteer Fortuna Garden Club. Last issue we asked for input on a billboard design and received dozens of responses. One of our favorite responses was “Home of the 2017 State Football Champions.” Thank you Coach Benbow for that suggestion! Our lucky winner of the random drawing was Linette B., who received a $100 gift card at Fortuna Grocery Outlet. The Humboldt Connection is finalizing the design this month and will begin production of the billboard in the coming weeks. Be on the lookout for it over the summer. The Chamber will soon be hosting in-person events again including monthly mixers and weekly lunch meetings at the Monday Club. We cannot wait to mix and mingle in the community and see everyone out and about enjoying the summer months in Sunny Fortuna. To stay up to date with what is happening at the Chamber and in the community, sign up for our free weekly newsletter or follow us on social media. We’d love to connect with you.

SHOP LOCAL FIRST

Downtown is open for business and we have many fabulous restaurants and shops!

COURTESY OF FORTUNA DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION For more info go to fortunadowntown.org

Happy Summer! Renee Lindsay, President & CEO 5

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Kent & Linda Wrede Eel River Valley Community Center Foundation

Chamber Member Spotlight Ken and Angie Rocha have been in business for 16 years. Both were born and raised in Humboldt – Ken in Ferndale and Angie in Fortuna. Rocha’s Automotive is an independent repair and smog shop. They do bumper-to-bumper repairs and factory scheduled maintenance. They have many of the dealer scan tools for diagnostics and reprogramming. All their technicians have iPads so they can perform a 26-point Complimentary Health Check on your vehicle and send the inspection report by email to you to read in the comfort of your home or office. Rocha’s can also show you if something is dirty or needs repairing. Rocha’s is a AAA-approved shop, a member of ASA, employs ASE-certified technicians, and offers a 3 Year / 36,000-mile nationwide warranty. If you join their Oil Change Club, your fifth oil change is free! AAA members always get 10% off labor with a $50 cap. As an essential business, Rocha’s has remained open through all the tier changes. Angie noted that they “ramped up [their] pick up process and contactless services as well as sanitary services” to keep customers and staff safe. Their biggest challenge because of Covid has been finding parts and keeping customers and employees healthy. With nearly 17 years in business, Rocha’s makes sure their technicians receive ongoing training and access to the latest technology in order to properly repair a vehicle. The Rochas love the Fortuna community and often support youth sports and local fundraisers (e.g., 4-H and FFA). During the pandemic they purchased gift cards from local restaurants to give to customers. They also support our military with a discount off services. Angie said all of that is possible because of “customers coming to us” instead of dealerships. Make Rocha’s Automotive your dealership alternative by scheduling an appointment at (707) 682-9711 or visit them at 1550 Alamar Way. Greg Seiler joined Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor to run the Fortuna branch at

1960 Main Street alongside Senior Branch Office Administrator Vanessa Viggers. This Fortuna office is the third branch Edward Jones opened in California, originally by Rolly Nelson in the 1980s. Edward Jones recruited Greg after the tragic and unexpected passing of Jerry Beacom in 2020. That call was a little difficult to take, “Jerry and I grew up together. It took me awhile to even consider what Edward Jones was offering,” remarked Greg. As a Fortuna High graduate, Greg had been interested in returning to the community he was raised in, so after some time and consideration, it was a natural fit. With over 30 years of business experience and over a decade as a Financial Advisor, Greg helps individuals and businesses evaluate opportunities, invest in their future, and plan for financial independence. In a post-Covid world, Greg looks forward to seeing people in public and attending meetings like the Fortuna Chamber lunch meetings. “Returning to the social side of business will bring more opportunities to connect and reconnect with the community and people I can help,” said Greg. Currently time management is the biggest challenge at the office. With this transition to Edward Jones, Greg has been busy meeting with new clients while maintaining standards of care for current clients. On top of that, Greg has been working with the home office of Edward Jones on new services that will be available within the next six months or so. “It is never too early to start planning for financial opportunities or independence,“ said Greg. Schedule a consultation by calling (707) 725-5098 or visit him at 1960 Main St, Suite A. Brian and Tricia McKenzie bought Johnny’s Flooring & Window Coverings in August 2019. Originally opened as Wise Flooring & Home Fashions by John and Mary Cay Wise, Johnny renamed it in 2007 and operated the business until his passing. Brian started working with the Wise family in 1991. He started as an apprentice and worked his way up to become a journeyman installer. While working at Wise Flooring & Home Fashions he met his future wife, Tricia, daughter of John and Mary Cay. Brian came to work for Johnny’s Flooring & Window Coverings after the store in Eureka Continued on next page

Continued from previous page

Chamber Member Spotlight closed. He worked as an installer before helping Johnny with estimates and running the crew. Johnny’s Flooring & Window Coverings sells and installs residential and commercial carpet, pre-finished engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl tile, plank flooring as well as commercial and residential sheet vinyl. They also sell and install Hunter Douglas window coverings. As an essential business, they were not subject to the various tier shutdowns but are currently experiencing a difficult time finding skilled installers and younger people wanting to learn a trade. Brian said they are hoping to have their other store, Humboldt Flooring Outlet, open on Saturdays so that customers can get what they need for DIY projects. Johnny’s has lots of flooring in stock at great prices and usually has 3 or 4 promotions a year on special order products, so be sure to check out their Fortuna store before driving anywhere else. Johnny’s Flooring & Window Coverings is located at 465 N. Fortuna Blvd. They can be reached at (707) 726-7745. Anderson, Lucas, Somerville & Borges (or ALSB) is a small, local full-service CPA firm which provides tax, accounting & auditing, and other various business-related services to local and out-of-the area individuals, businesses, non-profits, and small local governmental entities. Things like personal, business, and non-profit tax returns, accounting and payroll services, estate and fiduciary tax and planning, as well as consulting and business planning. Like most small CPA firms, ALSB doesn’t specialize in any one area or field, but provides many different services to many different client types and sizes. From routine tax works to large businesses, they typically cover it all for their client base. ALSB has its roots, in one form or another, all the way back to around 1945. It has existed with many different CPAs and partners through the years. Art Stewart, Richard Rodrigue, David Somerville Sr., and Jim Anderson were some of the prior partners. In 1995, that firm merged with the Gene Lucas and Donald Harris firm and moved to its current location on Main Street. Currently, Keith Borges and 8

David Somerville, Jr. (who is mostly retired), are the current partners and owners of the firm. Keith was born here in Fortuna, one of the early batch of babies born at Redwood Memorial Hospital in the year it opened – 1957. After college in Chico, and several years working for a large regional CPA firm in Sacramento, he returned to Fortuna. ALSB has been able to be open throughout the pandemic as they were classified as an essential business. They have followed the guidelines and recommendations from our local health department and the CDC to keep staff and clients healthy. During this time, while not eliminating in-person meetings entirely, they were greatly reduced and staff relied extensively on phone, e-mail, Zoom, and other virtual methods to continue to work and provide services to clients. Their biggest challenge currently is dealing with the various relief programs, time-frame changes, and other tax regulation and filing requirements imposed or made available for individuals and clients. There has been so much in terms of Covid-based relief, changes, extensions, and opportunities, that it has been quite challenging to keep up with them all. Seemingly new relief programs, filing requirements and dates, and significant and complex changes in the tax laws occur practically every week. Despite the closures, delays, and other financial impacts that have inundated many businesses and individuals, tax returns and payroll returns were still required to be filed. And, of course, the various relief programs and other features of the government’s pandemic response created more work for them in many areas. Keith is grateful and appreciative to all their clients and the community for their ongoing and continuing support and patronage. Anderson, Lucas, Somerville & Borges is located at 1338 Main Street and can be reached at (707) 725-4442. Hummel Tire & Wheel has been in business for 45 years. In 1976, Hal Hummel, Jr., with his wife Kathy and brother Bill, bought the tire shop. Sisters Wendy and Lisa Hummel have been running the family business for the last 14 years, taking over

after their parents retired. They sell new tires, from hand trucks to excavators, service/replace brakes, perform alignments and front-end work, plus answer service calls to dairies, ranchers, loggers, and construction sites. As an essential business, Hummel Tire has remained open, but, like other service-based businesses, has had a difficult time bringing in certain inventory items due to factory and plant closures. As the State moves to reopen in June, Lisa and Wendy are looking forward to things getting back to normal and seeing customers back to work. Hummel has “been here a long time and happily servicing the 3rd and 4th generations in the community the best we can,” said Lisa. They do not typically offer special discounts, opting instead to keep costs down to be able to offer the best value to all customers. “Everyone pays the same… from businesses to the everyday Joe,” Wendy said. Hummel Tire is located at 260 S. Fortuna Blvd. They can be reached at (707) 725-4120. Ray’s Used Cars started back on December 15, 1987, by Ray Ambrosini. On January 1, 2018, the name changed to Ray’s Quality Cars. Ray’s is a car dealership that sells vehicles and tires and offers detailing services. “When my father was working [at] a dealership in Eureka way back when, he was driving home and saw the vacant lot with the for-rent sign in the window at the old 898 Main Street building. Ray then decided he wanted to start his own car dealership and that is what he did,” said JR. With things opening up and nicer weather on the horizon, JR is hoping to have more customers into the dealership, asking questions and test driving their next vehicle. “I would like to expand and have more inventory available when people come in. Eventually, I would love to have a full vehicle service option available for customers,” JR commented. Ray’s is currently offering 25% off one set of tires (max. savings of $100) for Fortuna Loyalty Cardholders or $100 off if you bring in your newsletter. Ray’s Quality Cars is located at 195 S. Fortuna Blvd. They can be reached at (707) 725-6225.

Meet the newest member of the squad

ave you met the latest four-legged police officer yet? Cain is a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois dog from the Czech Republic. The K-9 program was recently relaunched thanks to the generosity of community donors, a grant from the American Kennel Club, and the Fortuna Police Employees Association. Once Cain completes his training, with partner and handler Officer Dennis Stevens by his side, he’ll be certified in apprehension and narcotics detection. To help fund the K-9 program, nine-inch-tall stuffed animal replicas of Cain are available for a donation of $20. Each stuffed animal comes with a custom collar, removable harness, and a K9 badge. To purchase a Fortuna Police Department K9 “Cain” dog, stop by the Fortuna Police Department, 621 11th Street, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. All donations will directly support the K9 Program.

Photos courtesy of the Fortuna Police Department.

Whitchurch Engineering Reaches 25 Year Hallmark

hitchurch Engineering celebrated its 25th anniversary in April. The Fortuna Chamber was on hand to help celebrate the occasion with a ribbon cutting. Founded by Lisa and Leonard Whitchurch, Whitchurch Engineering has grown from a small home office to employing more than 30 employees between their two locations in Fortuna and Eureka. Son Brett works as a leading structural engineer. In a press release, Lisa said, “As with most small businesses we weren’t sure we would be successful. Without the support and trust of the community, we wouldn’t be here. As I reflect on the last 25 years I’m grateful that our growth has enabled us to give back to the community through sponsorships, donating service to

local projects, Rotary, team sports, etc. Leonard and I believe it’s our duty to give back to our community and I know that the majority of Humboldt’s small businesses feel the same way. None of us can just say we want Humboldt to be successful and then do nothing. We are all in this together.” Whitchurch Engineering became internationally recognized during the decommissioning of the Humboldt Bay Nuclear Power Plant. Additional projects include the Fortuna Fire Station and the structural remodel for Benbow Historic Inn. Whitchurch continues to recruit and train graduates from Humboldt State University; providing opportunities for skilled professionals to stay in the area and have enriching careers without having to relocate. For more information, visit their website at whitchurchengineering.com. Their offices are located on 9th Street in Fortuna and 716 Harris St. in Eureka. They can be reached at (707) 725-6926.

Photos courtesy of Whitchurch Engineering.

Celebrate our graduating high school seniors

peration Celebrate was created in 2020 the student (if one was submitted), the student’s to help celebrate our Fortuna Union High name, and their school name. Online voting for the School District graduates affected by the top three decorated windows will run from May 19 Covid pandemic. until June 4. This year, twenty-five businesses have been Each graduating senior will receive a Fortuna randomly assigned 254 graduates from Fortuna Loyalty Card as a thank you from the Fortuna High, East High, and Academy of the Redwoods to Chamber. The top three winning businesses will feature in their windows. Businesses use school receive a thank you gift from the Chamber. Visit the fortunachamber.com/operation-celebrate-2021 colors in their decorations and include a photo of website below to vote. You may vote once per hour until June 4!

Operation Celebrate 6

13 10 9 11

3 22 5 14

17 15 21

18 4 7 12

Riverwalk Dr

1. Beverage Plus, 8 1221 Main St 2. Bob’s Footlongs, 505 12th St 3. Fortuna Chevron, 16 875 Main St 4. Coast Central Credit Union, 1814 Main St 5. Cornerstone Realty, Newburg Rd 101 1131 Main St 6. Double D, 320 Main St 7. Edge Caliber, 1523 Main St 8. Edward Jones Janelle Swan Robinson, 1143 Main St 9. Ferndale Jewelers, 1020 Main St 10. Fortuna Fabrics, 1006 Main St 11. Fresh on Main Street, 1044 Main St 12. George’s Glass, 360 N. Fortuna Blvd 20 13. Green’s Pharmacy, 1058 Main St 14. Hoppy’s FroYo, 1151 Main St 15. Horizon Business Products, 1137 Main St 16. Hummel Tire, 260 S. Fortuna Blvd 17. JH & Company, 557 9th St 18. Main Street Barber, 1710 Main St 19. Ray’s Quality Cars, 195 S. Fortuna Blvd 20. Rocha’s Automotive, 1550 Alamar Way 21. Strehl’s, 1155 Main St 22. Tri Counties, 909 Main St 23. Trish’s Out of the Way Café, 2865 School St 24. Umpqua Bank, 1360 Main St 25. Wyckoff’s Plumbing, 2065 Main St

N Fortuna Blvd

VOTING IS NOW OPEN!

S Fortuna Blvd

Main

Kenwood Rd

Kenmar Rd

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ill

le Rd

H ss Rd

23 School St

Operation Celebrate fortunachamber.com/operation-celebrate-2021 6

f Rd

Redwoods Rural Health Center Opens Fort una Satellite Office

tarting March 17, 2021, Redwoods Rural Health Center began offering healthcare services at 930 S. Fortuna Blvd. Current service offerings include acupuncture and behavioral health counseling. “We’re delighted to fill a gap in services needed in the Fortuna Eel River Valley. RRHC is the only practice offering acupuncture services for Partnership Health Plan patients” says Executive Director, Tina Tvedt Schaible. RRHC also accepts Blue Shield/Blue Cross insurance and Pictured L-R: Mayor Sue Long, Fortuna Chamber CEO Renee Lindsay, RRHC Exec. Director offers an income-based sliding Tina Tvedt Schaible, Acupuncturist Michiah Tobin, Front Desk Receptionist Heidi Weber, Susan fee discount. They are currently Gupton, and Fortuna Chamber Ambassador Becky Giacomini. Photo credit: Kristin Chambers. recruiting chiropractic providers to join the team at the new site as well. care approaches, including alternative modalities, Redwoods Rural Health Center was established such as acupuncture and chiropractic services in 1976 as a healthcare provider focused on delivbecause we understand how important they are to ering responsive, preventive, high quality primary healing.” health care services, through a variety of healing Interested in scheduling an appointment at the disciplines, to all people without regard to social or Fortuna clinic location? Call 707-353-2162 or request economic status. Tvedt Schaible remarks, “RRHC’s an appointment online through RRHC’s website, services have always encompassed holistic healthrrhc.org.

Cornerstone Realt y Under New Ownership

ongratulations to realtor Kim Brown on her new business. Kim started her career at Cornerstone Realty in 2016 as a broker assistant to Sally Conley. She received her real estate license in 2018 and passed her broker’s exam in 2020. Staff, family, and friends were on hand to celebrate with a ribbon cutting. Cornerstone Realty is located at 1131 Main Street and can be reached at (707) 725-7940.

Back row: Laura Morris, Kim Quintal, Cody Hurst, Jeremy Stanfield, Bob Judevine, Milton Conley, Lauren Lazio, Kellen Brown (husband), Dennis Dismore (father). Front row: Peyton Huddleson, Sally Conley, Kayla Dias, Kim Brown, Bailey Davy, Lisa Dismore (mother), Elma Brown (mother-inlaw), and members of the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department.

Humboldt Allies for Substance abuse prevention needs your input

umboldt Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) coalition would like input on how to best prevent youth alcohol, tobacco, and drug misuse in Humboldt County. The survey is for ages 12 and up. It is available in English and Spanish. It will take roughly 5 to 15 minutes to complete. The information will be used by the coalition to create a plan to help prevent youth and young adult drug use in Humboldt County. The deadline to complete the survey is June 7. The survey is available in English at: https://www.surveyanalytics.com/t/AIz3RZOogX or in Spanish at: https:// www.surveyanalytics.com/t/AIz3RZOos9. 1136 Main Street Fortuna Ca 95540

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wood street chapel opens foster closet

ood Street Chapel Foursquare Church will be launching the Wood Street Chapel Foster Closet on June 14, 2021. Their goal is to be a resource for foster parents in our community to come and receive needed supplies for the foster children in their care. Children placed into foster care often arrive with few or no possessions; items that arrive with these children are often unsuitable for continued use. Additionally, foster families sometimes have only a few moments to prepare for an emergency placement. Wood Street Chapel’s Foster Closet will provide clothing, diapers, wipes, bottles, toys, and comfort items to these amazing families and the children they so willingly welcome into their homes. They are currently seeking donations to stock and maintain the Foster Closet. If you would like to donate, you can drop off any of the items listed below at Wood Street Chapel (1649 Wood Street) or call to arrange a pick-up at (707) 725-5507. Please call ahead before making an in-person donation.

Please note that all items must be new. • Diapers & Pull-Ups – all sizes/brands • Wipes • Toys • Bottles & Sippy Cups • Pacifiers • Backpacks/Diaper Bags • Baby Blankets • Children’s Books • Gift cards to: Target, Safeway, Walmart • Clothing for ages 0-12 years • Underwear • Socks • Pajamas • Shirts • Pants • Dresses • Shoes • Jackets • Brushes & Hair Supplies • Toothbrushes & Toothpaste • Baby Gear: front pack carriers, bouncy seats

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Fort una Skate Park and Fort una Chamber Fundraiser

ovid dealt a big blow to our local nonprofits, forcing many to forgo vital fundraising efforts. The Skate Park and the Fortuna Chamber were no exception. Serendipity brought the two organizations together and a drive-thru dinner fundraiser was born. The delicious family-style meals were provided by Jeanne & Angi from Dorris & Daughter Catering. Monica & Melissa from Fresh on Main Street created pink champagne and chocolate oreo cupcakes, each adorned with a mini skateboard. We could not have been successful without the help of the City of Fortuna for donating the River Lodge, Parks & Rec staff for setting up traffic signs, Jennifer Lourenzo for her help at the River Wyett Freitas showing off Lodge, every volunteer his new skateboard, helmet, who helped run meals out and safety pads. Photo by Crystal Freitas. to cars, local businesses who donated items, and to everyone who bought a ticket and supported our event. We are so thankful for your support.

Each meal included a sheet pan of lasagna, antipasto salad, soft bread sticks, beer bread rolls, and cupcakes. Photo by Sondra Kirtley.

Sponsors: A.M. Baird Engineering & Surveying, Bear River Casino Resort, Benbow Historic Inn, Chris Broadstock, C. Crane, Coast Central Credit Union, Eel River Brewing Company, Eel Valley Appliance, Ferndale Tech, GlowMoore Skin Studio, Hops In Humboldt, Horizon Business Products, Humboldt Distillery, Humboldt Grassfed Beef, Humboldt Redwood Company, Hummel Tire, Jitter Bean Coﬀee, McLean Foundation, North Coast Journal, Peterson Tractor, Ray’s Quality Cars, Redwood Capital Bank, Rocha’s Automotive, Dennis Scott, Sea Hawk Sportﬁshing, Sport & Cycle, Umpqua Bank, Vacasa, Wendt Construction, and Pat & Cathy Whitchurch.

Kelly Isaacson (Chamber Board Chair) and Renee Lindsay (Chamber CEO) presented a check for $5,000 to Afton Anderson (shown on left) for the Fortuna Skate Park.

Skate Park volunteers Ethan Fuller and Aaron Soli helped sell raﬄe tickets at the event. “Lucky” winner Thavisak Syphanthong collecting his winnings.

Accurate Termite & Pest Solutions Opens New Office

n 2007, owner Mike Deck founded Accurate Termite & Pest Solutions based on providing high-quality pest control and unbeatable customer service. Fourteen years later, that is still their foundation to this day! They provide both residential and commercial pest control services as well as do inspections for real estate transactions. Most of their employees are local to Fortuna and raise families here. The pandemic slowed their normal customer flow due to people not being able to work and restaurants struggling to stay afloat. However, they were lucky to be considered an essential business, so their employees were able to work all year and they even hired two new employees at the beginning of the year. Plumb Construction was hired to help remodel the old dilapidated house and making it ADA compliant. Foundation work, changing some interior walls, and

Get all the latest news on our blog at

Pictured (back porch): From Plumb Construction (L-R) Shawn Thompson, Erica Thompson, Michael Thompson, Caleb Thompson, Ron Hawthorne Jr., Craig Hildebrand, and Matt Jones. Front row (L-R) Katy Roe (holding ribbon), Kevin tkk, Nicole tkk, Kelsey tkk, Marysa Castro, Mike Deck, Becky Giacomini, and Renee Lindsay.

new landscaping (courtesy of J&G Lawn & Garden). “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to work on this project with Mike! We’ve been driving past that building for years discussing what we would do to it if we ever had the chance, coupled with Mike’s vision and eye for detail it has become more than even we had ever thought it could be!” Erica Thompson (Plumb Construction) said. “It was an honor to bring Mike and Accurate Termite back to Fortuna by renovating such a wonderful old building into the Main Street jewel it is today!” Accurate Termite is located at 703 Main Street and can be reached at (707) 725-3896.

fortunachamber.com 17

the Fort una farmers’ market is back

he Fortuna Farmers’ Market is now open! Every Tuesday from June 1 through October 26, you can visit the market on 10th Street between Main and L Streets from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Founded in 1979, North Coast Growers’ Association (NCGA) began operating the Arcata Plaza Farmers’ Market. Today, they run 10 local farmers’ markets in Humboldt: Miranda, Old Town, Shelter Cove, Fortuna, Henderson Center, McKinleyville, Willow Creek, Garberville, Friday Night Market, and Arcata Plaza. The Fortuna Farmers’ Market has been operating for about 15 years. In 2017, after being ran entirely by volunteers, Fortuna Market merged

with NCGA. CalFresh EBT benefits are accepted at the market. Customers can trade their benefits in for “wooden nickels” that they can use to purchase food. In addition, NCGA, through a grant partnership with the Ecology Center in Oakland, offers a Market Match incentive. They will match the first $10 in EBT spending with blue incentive tokens which can be used to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables or food plants. Studies have shown that each dollar in incentive spending at the market leads to three dollars of stimulus to the local economy. Just one more reason to shop (and eat) local!

Rodeo week Chili cookoff restaurant contest

he Fortuna Chamber is hosting a Chili Cookoff Restaurant Contest this year during Rodeo Week. Mosey into participating restaurants with your Restaurant Passport, chow down on their chili-themed dish, and earn a stamp towards one of 10 random drawings worth $50 each. Pick up your Chili Cookoff Restaurant Passport in the Fortuna Rodeo Guide in the July 8 copy of the North Coast Journal. Passports will also be available at the Chamber office (735 14th Street) after July 1. The restaurant that wins the public vote for best chili dish will earn a snazzy trophy and $150. For a list of participating restaurants and more info, please visit fortunachamber. com/chili2021. Thank you to Redwood Capital Bank for sponsoring the contest!

Shutterstock

Fort una Communit y Garden Projec t

ortuna Adventist Community Services has relocated the community garden that was once behind St. Joseph’s Parish to 1200 Ross Hill Road on the campus of Fortuna Junior Academy. In a press release, Rhonda Lewis, director of the Community Garden said, “The move will give us an opportunity to expand our present garden to better serve the community … . Moving the garden began in late December.” Soon the garden will be ready to re-open and serve the community. Sean Todd, Project Coordinator, will be heading up the new

garden. The community garden began nine years ago when Steve Palecki contacted Seventh-day Adventist Community Services and presented the idea to them. The Fortuna Catholic Church, under Father Ramon Pons, volunteered the property on Newburg Road to host the garden. Through hard work, many sacrifices, and the support of the community, the garden expanded. It now provides for the families who participate in it, but also provides food for the St. Joseph’s Catholic Food Pantry and the Seventh-day Adventist Community Service’s food pantry.

Thirst y Bear Lounge Grand Reopening

n April, we were at Thirsty Bear Lounge at Bear River Casino helping celebrate the Grand Reopening of the lounge with the Eureka Chamber of Commerce, tribal members, and casino staff. Combining both modern and industrial touches, the newly remodeled bar and lounge features a double-sided bar that includes bar-top slots on the casino floor, oversized lounge chairs, two 10’ HDTVs, personal speakers to let you tune into the game, and a large stage for entertainment featuring local bands & DJs. Enjoy live music 20

Photo credit: Mary Bullwinkel

on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 pm to midnight or grab a happy hour special 7 days a week from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Thirsty Bear Lounge is located inside Bear River Casino at 11 Bear Paws Way, Loleta.

prac tice your Bike skills at newburg park course

ave you seen the basic bicycle skills course at Newburg Park? Brought to you by our amazing Parks & Rec crew, this course is designed for families to practice straight lines, stopping, turning (left and right), and staying inside the lines in the figure eight.

The park also has a permanent bike pump on-site for those unexpected flat tires. You can pick up a free sign to put on your bike at the Parks office located inside Rohner Park. For more information, please call 725-7620.

Fort una Loyalt y Card

n March, the Chamber launched a new loyalty card to help support our community businesses by encouraging residents to “look local first” before getting in the car or shopping online. Participating businesses offer discounts and promotions that are unique to Loyalty cardholders in gratitude for their commitment to shopping small and their loyalty in supporting our local businesses. Current deals are accessible via a QR code on the back of the card. All kinds of businesses can participate in this program including restaurants, chiropractors, hair salons, hardware stores, print shops, realtors, photographers, mortgage companies, retail, lodging, and more. Typical offers might include Katy Roe and Kelly Isaacson from Umpqua Bank showing Chamber CEO Renee Lindsay free Umpqua merchandise available for Loyalty Cardholders. Photo by Mary Bullwinkel. a special meal deal or percentage off your purchase, free consultation, free trial, or free samples. to the business at the time of visit. They might also include giveaway items (branded Businesses interested in offering a discount should merchandise) for new account holders/clients or pacontact the Fortuna Chamber at 725-3959 or ceo@ tients, filling out a survey, or signing up for a particufortunachamber.com. lar service the business offers. For more information and to purchase a card, visit Using your Loyalty Card is as easy as presenting it fortunachamber.com/loyaltycard.

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