Chamber Member Spotlights

Alzheimer’s Walk 2019. Photo credit: Alzheimer’s Association

Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association was founded in 1980 by a group of family caregivers and individuals who recognized the need for an organization that would unite caregivers, provide support to those facing Alzheimer’s, and advance research into the disease. Jerome H. Stone, a true visionary in the Alzheimer’s movement, was the founding president. When his wife, Evelyn, was diagnosed with the disease in 1970, information about Alzheimer’s, even among the medical community, was limited. With drive and determination, Mr. Stone took a disease that was cloaked in silence and helped create a global conversation. Today, the Association reaches millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. The Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Their vision is to see a world free from Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. According to the Association, more than 3,673 people in Humboldt and Del Norte counties suffer from the fatal disease, a number projected to rise to more than 5,000 in the next decade. More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, and over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for someone living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

The Association offers 24/7 care and support through their helpline (800-272-3900). All calls are answered by dementia care specialists and master’s-level clinicians. According to Community Engagement Manager Kim Coehlo, many of these calls come in around 2:00 am, when family members feel the most alone and discouraged. “They 16 are so relieved to find out that others are going through similar situations and that there is help available.” Other support includes an online community (alzconnected.org) where individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer’s can share questions, experiences, and practical tips via message boards, and TrialMatch® that connects individuals living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, and healthy volunteers to clinical trials that may advance Alzheimer’s research. The free, easy-to-use service allows you to see which studies are a good fit for you or a family member. You can search for studies, receive email notifications about new opportunities, and connect with research teams.

Held annually, the Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s occurs nationwide in over 600 communities with over 51,000 teams. Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Humboldt County will host a Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 8, at the Adorni Center in Eureka. According to Coelho, “Participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s helps to take away the stigma from this disease, it helps start the conversation.” Families that are battling this disease need to know that they are not alone, that there is local support provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, Humboldt Senior Resource Center Alzheimer’s Resource Center, Redwood Caregiver Resource Center, Area 1 Agency on Aging, and Adult Day Health Care of Mad River. According to Coelho, helping locally will have a global impact. “With one in three seniors being diagnosed with a dementia related illness, this is a disease that is going to impact everyone. Raising funds will help us identify, slow down, and ultimately prevent this devastating disease. If you look at the millions of research dollars that have been spent on cancer, heart disease, HIV, stroke, you will see a dramatic decrease in deaths from these diseases which is wonderful. We can do the same for Alzheimer’s Disease, we just need the research dollars to fund the research proposals.” For more information, visit www.alz.org or call (707) 832-4577 ext 1240 to reach Kim Coelho.

California Conservation Corps

Most folks around town have probably never heard of the California Conservation Corps. They might have seen their trucks around town, or

Photo credit: California Conservation Corps

helping at community events, without really knowing what they do. We reached out to Tina Taylor, Administrative Officer II – Fortuna District, and Raquel Ortega, District Director-Fortuna District, for their unique perspective on this amazing organization.

The California Conservation Corps is a department within the California Natural Resources Agency. They are the oldest and largest conservation corps in the nation. Their program provides young adults 18 – 25 years old a year of paid service to the State of California. During their year of service, Corpsmembers work on environmental projects and respond to natural and man-made disasters. Through this work, they gain skills and experience that lead to meaningful careers.

Their motto is “Hard Work, Low Pay, Miserable Conditions and More!” Nearly everyone starting out will face hard work, likely low pay, and probably some miserable conditions. “We offer all of that and more with educational opportunities, on the job training, and the chance to work with people from all over the state that they may not have had the chance to meet otherwise; all while working towards scholarships to further their education! It is through this program that Corpsmembers develop their character, credentials, and commitment.”

Governor Jerry Brown established the CCC in 1976, modeled after the original Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. More than 120,000 young adults have served in the Corps over its 40+ year history. While this is a statewide program, the CCC has a long history of serving the North Coast. Originally landing in Humboldt at the Humboldt Fire Center (now Cal Fire’s High Rock camp), the CCC moved to Fortuna in the mid-90s setting up shop on Newburg. Soon after, thanks to community support, the Fortuna Center was built and is currently the northernmost residential CCC campus in the state. The CCC Fortuna Campus supports five crews with dormitories, classrooms, dining hall, and a workshop. Their crews work on projects from the Oregon border south to the Leggett area, and from the Pacific Ocean east halfway to Redding!

What life is like for a Corpsmember:

Crews work full work weeks. Corpsmembers have continuing education in the evenings, internal community meetings weekly, and recreational/volunteer events on the weekends. They encourage volunteerism and community engagement of all members and are proud to be part of many community events both in Fortuna and the surrounding area.

The CCC program runs year-round and makes for some very wet and cold workdays on the North Coast. Crews engage in salmon habitat restoration projects, trail building, invasive plant removal, fuel reduction, and more. On campus they have a culinary arts crew that learns food safety standards, gardening, and prepares all the meals for crews on a daily basis.

The CCC is also an emergency response organization. CCC Fortuna Crews have responded to floods, oil spills, earthquakes, hurricane relief efforts (out of state), and wildfires — both with camp support crews to run logistics and wildland firefighter crews.

According to Tina, “the CCC Fortuna Center is grateful to have community partners who support our mission. Our crews work on fee for service contracts to help support our program continuity. This also provides our Corpsmembers with insight to different career paths and work experience with many partners.” Tina said partnerships include, but are not limited to: Humboldt County, City of Fortuna, City of Eureka, City of Arcata, Eel River Watershed Improvement Group, Briceland Community Services District, CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife, Caltrans, Cal Fire, BLM, USFWS, CA State Parks, NOAA Veterans Fisheries Program, Cal Trout, Mendocino Land Trust,

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and National Park Service.

To learn more, please visit their website at ccc. ca.gov. There you’ll find photos, videos, corpsmember stories, and links to their social media accounts on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also call the Fortuna Center at (707) 725-5106.

Fortuna Concert Series

The Fortuna Concert Series is an eight-performance concert series held on the second Saturday of the month at the Fortuna Monday Club. Beginning in March of 2023, the Concert Series season will run from March 11 through October 14. With community business and private support, we keep our ticket prices as low as possible at $10 each or season tickets at $60 for eight performances.

Since its inception, the Series has presented more than 230 concerts featuring not only many talented local groups and individuals but also nationally and internationally known performers. Diversified programming including classical, jazz, folk, ethnic, vocal, instrumental - something for everyone - has been its formula for success. In addition, we support music programs at local schools with mini-grants and provide a scholarship to a Fortuna High graduating senior enrolled in music classes.

Rabbi Naomi Steinberg is the person who had the idea to create a concert series in Fortuna and made it happen over 30 years ago. Here is an excerpt from an interview with Rabbi Steinberg: “I got the idea because I had a desire to hear incredible music without having to drive a long way to get it. At one point I had a reason to find a venue for another event… [and] I discovered the Fortuna Monday Club. I realized it was a charming but under-utilized venue and perfect for music! I talked to my friends and local businesses regarding the idea of creating a music series in Fortuna that would serve to enrich the local area. We created a volunteer steering committee and developed our plan. Our committee consisted of Clif Clendenen, president, David Demant, Vice President, Naomi Steinberg, Secretary, and Tom Clapp, Treasurer. Other committee members included Bill Swackhammer, Carol Boomer, Ann Lovick, Ruth McClimon, Henry and Clara Bender, Chris and Rick Johnson, Prill Devin, and Harriet Goble. The first Fortuna Concert Series performance opened on Sept. 7, 1991.”

Currently, that torch is being carried by a very committed and fun group of people including Simon Rios (president), Sharon Holt (secretary), Don Bicknell (treasurer), Mike McClimon (booking agent), Darleene Sampson (publicity), and Marsha Hayes (ticket sales). We are always looking for like minded, music loving souls to join our team and keep Fortuna musical! We have tremendous joy in making these concerts available! The FCS is an all volunteer, non-profit organization that promotes community through rich musical experiences.

This Concert Series, as well as the community support of local businesses and private contributors, has made Fortuna special for more than 30 years and gives a sparkle to the life of everyone who chooses to participate; whether that be as an artist, music appreciator, benefactor or facilitator.

Learn more at fortunaconcertseries.com.

Submitted by Darleene Sampson on behalf of the Fortuna Concert Series.

Fred Tempas of Chamber Players of the Redwoods (CPR) presented Corinne Stanfield, then president of Fortuna Concert Series, with the Floyd A. Glende award in 2013. This award is named after former Cal Poly Humboldt Professor of Music Floyd A. Glende (‘53-’57). Credit: Fortuna Concert Series.

Fortuna Grocery Outlet

In the summer of 2015, Seth and Stefanie McGrath learned a Grocery Outlet store was going to be built in Fortuna. At the time, they were the operators of one of the Fresno locations. They decided to take a trip to visit the area and learn about the community. Their wish list for a community to live in included one they felt comfortable in, was a place their kids would enjoy, and where a family business would succeed. Their trip consisted of two locations - Napa and Fortuna. Fortuna was the second stop on their

The McGrath family Photo credit: Seth McGrath

trip and, after seeing the community, they knew they didn’t want to leave. When the Fortuna location became available, they applied for the location and were selected in November 2015. They began the process of selling their Fresno location to purchase the Fortuna location and everything that goes into moving your family to a new town. Their Fresno location was transitioned in January 2016 and they made the move to Fortuna to begin building their team that would help set up the store. Their grand opening was on March 3, 2016.

Being a Grocery Outlet owner is a unique experience. All of the sites and locations are procured and selected by Grocery Outlet, Inc. “These locations are posted for aspiring and/or current owner operators to apply. Each potential applicant is required to submit a detailed business plan for the location. These plans are reviewed by executives who make the decision of which operator (or aspiring operator) will best fit the location based on the plan submitted,” said Seth. (The McGraths became aspiring owner operators in 2013.) Once a store is ready to open, the operator is given the keys and the freedom to run their location. The operator can run the store in the way that they feel is the best fit for their community. Every owner operator is different and that is what made the business model so attractive to the McGraths. “You are able to do what you know will serve your customers the best and [are] given the freedom to do just that. That being said, how one is involved in their specific community is their choice… any money that is given for donations, sponsorships, etc., is funded by the owner operator.” The McGraths are 100% committed to doing everything they can to support the community that supports them. “It’s about giving back and paying it forward,” said Seth. While the list of programs and organizations that Fortuna Grocery Outlet has supported over the years is extensive, Seth gave us some examples. They include 4-H livestock auctions, service club events, school sports, church events, community events, and scholarships.

The McGraths have three children. Spencer (a Fortuna High grad) is in his sophomore year at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Trent is a junior at Fortuna High, and Hayden is a freshman at Fortuna High. All three work at the store and participate in the family business. They currently have 38 employees. Prior to owning a Grocery Outlet store, Seth was with Raley’s Supermarkets for 18 years and Stefanie was a stay-at-home mom. Seth previously served as a board member and Chair of the Board on the Fortuna Chamber board of directors. In 2016, Fortuna Grocery Outlet was selected as New Business of the Year and received the Business of the Year award in 2018.

Grocery Outlet is located in Strongs Creek Plaza (1085 S. Fortuna Blvd.) and can be reached at (707) 725-7010.

Northern California Community Blood Bank

Started in Eureka in 1951 by a group of local physicians who recognized the need for a safe way to collect and store blood, the Northern California Community Blood Bank (nccbb.org) truly is a community institution. “When we call ourselves a community organization, we really mean it. When you donate blood with us, your donation serves our community. Your donation is sent first to local hospitals and patients. Your gift helps heal our neighbors, friends, and families,” said Blood Bank CEO Kate Witthaus.

The impacts of the COVID crisis have been significant, but with the hard work of their staff and dedication of their donors, NCCBB is looking forward to emerging from the pandemic ready to meet the community wherever they are and deliver the gift of life to local patients. With a staff of 50, a group of dedicated volunteers, and nearly 18,000 blood donors, NCCBB carries out their mission to serve the community while meeting and exceeding state, federal, and international standards. Blood Bank staff includes high school students working

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Photo credit: NCCBB

their fi rst job, Clinical Laboratory Scientists, friendly Donor Care Specialists performing phlebotomy, and a behind-the-scenes team keeping everything running smoothly. The Blood Bank is supported by a volunteer board of directors whose goal is to maintain a local focus, meet patient needs with an excellent standard of care, and maintain fi nancial stability.

To maintain a safe blood supply, only volunteer donors are accepted at NCCBB. In some regions, there are facilities that pay donors for plasma donation, but the products collected at those facilities can only be used for the manufacture of pharmaceutical products. Blood products collected at NCCBB are used for transfusion directly to patients.

There is no substitute for human blood. The blood supply is a perishable commodity, and must be replaced regularly. Members of our community make the Blood Bank’s mission attainable by donating regularly throughout the year, to help maintain an adequate, consistent blood supply that will help through times of crisis or disaster. All blood components have a limited lifespan and can’t be stored indefi nitely, so donate regularly throughout the year. Your donation could be the one to save a life when it’s needed.

Without the generosity of community members from all over Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, NCCBB would not be able to meet the needs of local patients. Save a life. Give blood. You can contact them at nccbb.org or (707) 443-8004. 20

Photo credit: The Pony KeG

The Pony Keg

The Pony Keg is a mobile bartending service in Humboldt County. Once a horse trailer, it has been lovingly restored and converted into a “bar on wheels” for any event. The Pony Keg does all the work for you. They provide the bar, alcohol recommendations, bartending staff , 4-tap draft system, glassware, decor, accessories, and all the miscellaneous equipment you never thought of. Guests at your event can relax on wooden benches, boho blankets, or sit on a set of recycled pillow-topped beer kegs. They also off er outdoor games such as Jenga and Cornhole. Not looking for alcoholic drinks? Not a problem. They can cater your drink menu to off er non-alcoholic beverages.

The Pony Keg can operate off grid for any celebration you can think of! You can usually catch them at weddings and community events all over Humboldt. They love to support local nonprofi t fundraising events serving local beer, wine, and spirits. You can also fi nd them at farmers’ markets and craft fairs selling local coff ee, tea blends, and mocktails made from locally sourced ingredients.

The Covid-19 lockdown of 2020 was a time for refl ection for many businesses. The Pony Keg was no exception. It gave them time to refl ect on what, and who, they missed. They started the Pony Keg Mobile Bar to bring people together again. Humboldt County is teeming with open spaces, home grown products, and some of the best locally crafted beer, spirits, and wine.

To book The Pony Keg for your next event, you can reach Hailee and Kara at (707) 574-8875, by email at ponykegmobilebar@gmail.com, or by visiting their website at theponykegmobilebar.com.