Category Archives: Community Events

On Thursday night, John Paye, former San Francisco 49er and Super Bowl Chamption, spoke to local 4H and FFA students as part of the Fairgrounds Foundation's speaker series. This monthly series provides business advice, tips and leadership experience to local high school students. — On Thursday night, John Paye, former San Francisco 49er and Super Bowl Chamption, spoke to local 4H and FFA students as part of the Fairgrounds Foundation’s speaker series. This monthly series provides business advice, tips and leadership experience to local high school students.

John Paye, former NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers and Super Bowl champion,
shares life-experiences and successes with local youth

“Be passionate about what you are doing, put in the extra work, and be consistent.” This is the message of success that John Paye, a former NFL player for the 49ers and Super Bowl champion, shared with local youth on Thursday evening.

Paye addressed FFA and 4H students from Bear River, Nevada Union and Placer high schools, as part of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation’s Speaker Series, which brings business education – through access to business leaders, life experiences, and leadership tips – to high school students. Paye served as the fifth speaker in the series.

During high school, Paye was voted USA Today’s High School Football Player of the Year. He found a home at Stanford, and was a four-year starter for the Cardinals. He was named All-Pac Ten and All-American while also playing as a starter on Stanford’s basketball team for three years. After his college career, Paye was acquired by the San Francisco 49ers, where he played for three seasons serving as backup to Joe Montana from 1987-1988. Paye was part of the 49ers offense during their 1988 Championship Season, ultimately going on to win Super Bowl XIX.

Paye shared with students his experience in sports, including playing baseball with Barry Bonds, basketball with Michael Jordan, and football with Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. He also shared his childhood memories of the Nevada County Fair, which he continues to visit each year.

Beyond the field for the past 15 years, Paye has worked throughout the west coast educating youth on the importance self-empowerment, saying no to drugs and alcohol, and staying in school. He reminded the students the importance of staying focused. “Stay on task and don’t get distracted. Staying focus will help you succeed.”

The Fairgrounds Foundation’s speaker series continues through May. Students have an opportunity to hear about the speaker’s career path, how they achieved their goals, insight regarding their area of expertise, and an opportunity for questions. The final speaker in this series will be Tom Browning, retired Fire Battalion Chief and current Fairgrounds Board member. The series is sponsored by Sandy Ballou of California Outdoor Properties.

About the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation: The Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation’s mission is to support and improve the community’s Fairgrounds, and to support youth in agriculture. For more information about the Fairgrounds Foundation, or to become a member, visit NevadaCountyFair.com/foundation/.

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Community Events, Nevada County Information

Nevada County Fairgrounds Becomes a Command Post and Fire Camp for Cal Fire; Animal Evacuation Center

July 27, 2015 jd

July 27, 2015

Nevada County Fairgrounds Becomes a Command Post and Fire Camp for Cal Fire; Animal Evacuation Center — Lowell Hill Fire Photo by John J. O’Dell

Contact: Rea Callender, CEO, Nevada County Fairgrounds

(530) 273-6217; Rea@NevadaCountyFair.com

Due to the Lowell Fire, currently burning in Nevada and Placer counties, Cal Fire and assisting agencies have set up a command post and fire camp at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Additionally, the Nevada County Veterinary Disaster Response Team has set up an evacuation center at the Fairgrounds for large and small animals.

Due to the large number of resources utilizing the fire camp, the Fairgrounds will be closed to walkers and bicyclists until further notice.

During the duration that the camp is set up, Gate 1 will be open to Fair employees and Fair business (those visiting the Fairgrounds’ administration office) only, Gate 4 will be open to campers, Gate 8 will be open for animal evacuation, and all other gates will be closed to the public and restricted to authorized fire personnel only.

These closures and restrictions do not affect the Main Office, which is open during its normal business hours of Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Additionally, limited RV camping will be available by contacting the Main Office.

During this time, the Nevada County Fairgrounds is also being used as an evacuation center for small and large animals. The Fairgrounds are open and equipped to handle large and small animals brought to the Fairgrounds. Several animals are already on the grounds, and the Fairgrounds will continue to receive and house animals as needed. Those with animals impacted by the fire, or those who need to remove animals to a safer location, are encouraged to use the Fairgrounds. If you need information or have questions regarding animal evacuations, contact Pat, Nevada County Veterinary Disaster Response Team (Animal Evac), at (530) 913-6506.

According to Mike Mohler, Public Information Officer with Cal Fire Incident Management Team 1, the fire camp, which was established on July 25, currently houses more than 700 individuals, as well as large equipment required to fight the fires.

For updated fire information and evacuation updates, contact the Cal Fire information line at (530) 823-4083 or visit Cal Fire’s website at www.fire.ca.gov.

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animals, Bits & Pieces, Community Events

Pit Bull Helps Nevada County Woman Detect Seizures

April 3, 2015 jd

A woman who wanted a shelter dog as a companion for herself and her son instead got much more than that.

The pit bull the Nevada County woman adopted can detect seizures, something important for her. Danielle Zuckerman, a former Navy nuclear scientist never knew adopting Thor could change her life. “I feel so much more comfortable, going out in public and going to do things, because when you’re an epileptic, you don’t have control over your own body,” she said.

Zuckerman has seizures due to a spinal cord injury.

NID Adopts Drought Plan; Calls for 20% Conservation

March 28, 2015 jd

Looking over Scott's Flat Reservoir Picture taken from my deck John J. O'Dell — Looking over Scott’s Flat Reservoir Picture taken from my deck John J. O’Dell

March 25, 2015

Directors of the Nevada Irrigation District on Wednesday (Mar. 25) adopted a series of drought measures that include limits on outdoor watering and a call for continued 20 percent reductions in water use by all district customers.

In a presentation to the NID Board of Directors, Water Operations Manager Chip Close recommended a package of conservation measures designed to meet requirements adopted Mar. 17 by the State Water Board and to ensure that NID has adequate carryover water storage going into next year in case the drought continues into a fifth year.

Urban Water Use

Drought measures in effect for users of piped, treated water include:

Outdoor watering no more than three days per week, with no watering during the heat of the day (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
No watering until 48 hours after a rain.
No drinking water service in restaurants unless requested.
Hotel and motel guest option of not having towels and linens changed daily.
No water use that creates unnecessary runoff.
Use of shutoff nozzle on hoses.
No washing down of sidewalks
Fountains must recycle water

NID and other water purveyors are being required to provide the State Water Board with monthly reports on water use, conservation compliance and enforcement efforts.

Irrigation Water Use

Drought measures in effect for users of canal water include:

Voluntary reductions of 20 percent or more with mandatory reductions possible later in the year if conservation goals are not being met.
New and increased irrigation water sales are limited to the smallest amount of water necessary for the customer’s beneficial use.
All customers are encouraged to use efficient irrigation practices.
The irrigation season, which normally runs Apr. 15-Oct. 14, could be shortened this year depending on water availability.

In a water supply update, Water Resources Superintendent Sue Sindt said this year’s water outlook is slightly worse than last year. She said the mountain snowpack is only about 6 percent of average water content for this time of year and that seasonal runoff is anticipated to be only 20-25 percent of average.

Officials credited district customers with reducing water use by an overall 16.4 percent during the 2014 drought and said an equal level or more will be needed to get through this year.

Close said that continued conservation, tight measurement and controls on the canal system, and the purchase of an available 20,000-25,000 acre-feet of additional water from the Pacific Gas and Electric Company will help meet the district’s water supply needs for this year and next.

For drought information and helpful water efficiency advice, please see NID’s website atwww.nidwater.com. Water waste may be reported through an online form or by telephone, (530) 271-6799.

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Business, Community Events

Former Professional Football Player Opens the Fade Factory Barbershop

November 3, 2014 jd

Chad Elliott Owner of Fade Factory Barbershop - Photo by John O'Dell — Chad Elliott Owner of Fade Factory Barbershop – Photo by John O’Dell

“The Fade Factory Barbershop recently opened its doors by well known football player Chad Elliott. Chad played at Nevada Union, Grant High School, Arizona State University, Syracuse University and thirteen years in the Indoor Football League. The hip, new sports themed barbershop is located across the street from Maria’s Restaurant in downtown Grass Valley.

“Not too many shops in town cater to the younger generation and that’s something we’re really trying to lock down,” Chad said. “When I moved back home (after a 13 year professional football career), I noticed that there was a high demand for a specialized shop that focused on Fades, Tapers, Line-ups, Pompadours, Gentlemen’s cuts, and designs. This town really didn’t have anything like that before we opened up.”

The Fade Factory surely doesn’t look like your typical Grass Valley Barbershop either. As soon as you walk in you can notice a difference. “The overall feeling of our shop was important to me. I didn’t want it to be boring or stale. I wanted it to be a place where people can come in to have fun, socialize, relax, and actually enjoy their wait times,”

Chad explained. “We painted our walls black and red, we have flat screen TV’s that are constantly playing NFL, College, and NBA games, we listen to music, and we try to present a positive laid back environment.” So far the business and feedback have been great too. Working downstairs from Chad, I noticed right away a steady stream of customers coming in and out for his famous fades.

Photo by John O'Dell — Photo by John O’Dell

“We opened less than a month ago and we already have a ton of returning clients, including working with Cheris House Youth Center,. People really seem to like the atmosphere.”

As for any other barbershops in town, they may want to take notice. This shop is fresh, fun, new, and exciting. If you like sports, good conversation, free WIFI, music, a great haircut, and a relaxed environment it may be time to switch shops and come check out The Fade Factory.

When I asked Chad if there was anything else he wanted people to know about his shop he replied, “We are really the only shop in town that stays open on Sunday and Mondays. People need to know that if they need a cut, we are generally open. I also like to give back to the community so I give a 20% discount to all law enforcement and firefighters.”

Chad also reminded us that he encourages parents to bring their kids in for fun designs, sharp cuts, and a clean Christian environment. The Fade Factory seems to be taking off. Check it out.

Call to make an appointment 209-910-8791
Located at 231 E. Main Street
Grass Valley, CA 95945

The official website and hours can be found here: The Fade Factory
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Community Events

U.S. Forest Service and Partners Talk Wildland Firefighting in Connection with Disney’s Movie Planes: Fire & Rescue; July 18 & 19

July 17, 2014 jd

httpv://youtu.be/Uk0D5L0TT30#aid=P977Ifve6EA

Disney’s “Planes: Fire & Rescue” Trailer 1 – Courage

On Friday, July 18, 2014 from 12:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The U.S. Forest Service’s Smokey Bear will be at Sierra Cinemas located at 840 E. Main Street in Grass Valley, for the matinee premiere of Disney’s Planes: Fire & Rescue. Smokey will greet movie goers before the 12:30 p.m., 2:35 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. showings.

Then, on Saturday, July 19, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. the USFS, along with Cal Fire, will host visitors at the Grass Valley Interagency Air Attack Base located at 13083 John Bauer Ave, Grass Valley. There will be guided air base tours and firefighting aircraft on display. In addition, a Helitack Crew, Smoke Jumpers and other firefighting professionals will be on hand to answer questions.

httpv://youtu.be/9XMJ1D7AXYQ#aid=P977Ifve6EA

Disney’s “Planes: Fire & Rescue” Trailer 2 – Thunder

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O’Dell Realty
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Community Events, Education, Nevada County Information

Fire Safe Council Offers 2014 Firewise Calendar

October 12, 2013 jd

The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County in cooperation with the Allstate Foundation, County of Nevada and the National Firewise Communities Association are offering residents in Nevada County free defensible space advisory visits to educate citizens about Defensible Space. Complete your visit in October or November and get a 2014 Firewise Calendar.

California Public Resources Code 4291 requires every landowner to “maintain around and adjacent to the building or structure a firebreak made by removing and clearing away, for a distance of not less than 100’ on each side of the building or structure or to the property line, whichever is nearer, all flammable vegetation or other combustible growth”.

In addition, this code allows insurance companies to require

landowners to maintain their vegetation.

We live in a wildland urban interface area which has the potential for catastrophic wildfire.

Receive custom advice about:

Building materials
Fire facts
How to manage the vegetation on your property
Plant species considered “high fire risk”
Proper clearance from structures
Proper signage for your property
Answers to any questions you might have about the defensible space around your structures
And a variety of other helpful information

In addition, you will be provided with referrals for contractors and other resources that could help you achieve your fuel objectives.

Advisors will inform residents about:

The burn permit process
The California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP)
The FSCNC Chipping Program
The FSCNC Special Needs Assistance Program

Sign up online at www.areyoufiresafe.com,

email info@areyoufiresafe

or Call 530-272-1122

For all your real estate needs
Email or call today:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

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Community Events, Education

Sacramento Home Winemakers Club Are International Winners, 2013

May 28, 2013 jd

Typical Sacramento Winemakers meeting. Photo credit: Sacramento Winemakers

Yes, the Sacramento Home Winemakers Club was the top amateur international winemaking club winner again this year!

Judy and I went to the 2013 WineMaker Magazine’s International Home Winemaking Conference held in Monterey, California, May 17^th and 18^th to hear the results of the wine judging. Judy is twice past president and has been on the Executive Board of the Sacramento Home Winemakers Club for many years.

It was an exciting time for the club, since they were the club winners last year and were hoping to be a winner again this year. It is such a stiff competition that some winemaker clubs were subsidizing their members by paying entry and shipping fees to their members. The Sacramento Home Winemakers Club did not do that for their members.

This was no small feat, since the judging was held from April 19-21, 2013, with a record total of 4,564 different wines at the Burlington Hilton in Burlington, Vermont. This year’s competition was the largest in the 11-year history and is again the largest wine competition of its kind in the world. The 4,564 entries arrived from hobby winemakers throughout North America in all 50 American states and 8 Canadian provinces and as far away as Italy and Australia. It was the single largest and most diverse collection of hobby wines ever assembled under one roof.

Over the course of three days, experienced judging panels worked through 923 flights, examining each wine using the UC-Davis 20-point wine scale evaluating appearance, aroma, taste, aftertaste and overall impression. The wines were entered in 50 different categories and included an astonishing array of varietals and wine styles. Kit wines competed alongside fresh-grape entries in this blind tasting.

Entries were awarded gold, silver, bronze and best of show medals based on the average score given by the judging panel. The Grand Champion wine medal was the top overall scoring wine across all categories. The Club of the Year was given to the club whose members won the most medals and the Retailer of the Year and U-Vint of the Year awards were given to the winemaking supply stores whose customers outperformed other similar shops.

Finally the Winemaker of the Year award was given to the individual entrant who has the highest average score across their top 5 scoring wines in the competition.

Winemakers of the Year &
Best of Show Dessert Wine
Rex Johnston and Barbara Bentley

Front: Barbara Bentley, Rex Johnston - Photo credit: Sacramento Home Winemakers — Front: Barbara Bentley, Rex Johnston – Photo credit: Sacramento Home Winemakers

In all, SHW won 13 golds, 10 silvers and 12 bronzes for a total of 35 medals.

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Community Events, nevada county fair

Nevada County Fairgrounds Hosts Job Fair For 2013 Fair Season

May 9, 2013 jd

The Nevada County Fairgrounds will host a job fair to fulfill its hiring needs for this year’s Fair season. The Nevada County Fair job fair will be held on Thursday, May 16, from 2 – 6 pm in the Main Street Center at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

If you are interested in working at the Fairgrounds during the 2013 Fair season, plan to attend this event. Fair staff will be accepting applications from 2 – 6 pm for all departments, as well as conducting interviews on site. Some of the jobs available include gate cashiers, ticket monitors, “red shirt” patrols, exhibit crew, exhibit entry clerk, clean-up crew, and parking crew.

Employment applications, as well as available jobs and job descriptions are posted on the Fair’s website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com. Applications will also be available on the day of the job fair.

The 2013 Nevada County Fair is August 7 – 11. For information, call (530) 273-6217 or visit NevadaCountyFair.com.

By: Wendy Oaks

Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com
Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Nevada County Fair August 7 – 11, 2013

Draft Horse Classic September 19 – 22, 2013

Halloween at the Fairgrounds October 26, 2013

Country Christmas Faire November 29 – December 1, 2013

For all your real estate needs
Email or call today:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

DRE#00669941

Community Events

Nevada County Rotary Huge Success at Nevada County Fairgrounds

May 6, 2013 jd

More than 180 volunteers participated in the Rotary at Work Day at the Nevada County Fairgrounds on Saturday. Organized by Nevada County’s Rotary Clubs, volunteers spent the day fixing up and sprucing up the community’s Fairgrounds.

More than 180 volunteers spend a day “beautifying” the Nevada County Fairgrounds

On Saturday, Nevada County’s Rotary Clubs – Grass Valley Rotary, Nevada City Rotary, Nevada City 49er Breakfast Rotary, Penn Valley Rotary, and South Nevada County Rotary – joined together for the second year for the Rotary at Work Day at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Local contractors and volunteers from Bear River FFA, NU FFA, Sierra College Volunteer Club, Interact Club from Lyman Gilmore and Seven Hills, and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, also participated in the event, which amounted to more than 180 individuals volunteering their time and efforts to perform much-needed repairs and maintenance at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

The volunteers worked hard staining fences, replacing roofs, laying concrete, painting barns, planting trees, removing decking and raking the grounds. They also replaced a dilapidated billboard that faced Highway 20 with a new billboard that includes the Fairgrounds logo.

In addition to the volunteer efforts, there were numerous contractors and suppliers who donated goods and services – Waste Management, Caseywood, Earley Concrete Pumping, BP Landscaping, C & D Construction, Hanson Bros., Viking Roofing, DMCE Concrete, Moule Paint and Glass, Grass Valley Signs, and JSM Construction.

“The work completed at the Fairgrounds this weekend, and at last year’s Rotary at Work Day, serve as another reminder of the ongoing support and generosity of our community,” said Sandy Woods, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. “We are so grateful to the Rotarians for organizing this yearly event, and we thank all the volunteers and businesses for their efforts in ensuring that the Fairgrounds remain beautiful and a source of pride for our community.”

“It was an amazing day filled with so much enthusiasm for the work at hand,” said Scott Spencer, organizer of the event. “We aimed high this year – and we met our goals! It is amazing what can be accomplished when a large group works together for a common goal. A special thank you goes to the Nevada County Fairgrounds’ maintenance crew for all their work in preparing for the Rotary at Work Day, and for going above and beyond the call of duty to accommodate the various needs for this event. It truly was a team effort.”

With 180 volunteers at this year’s Rotary at Work Day, and more than 200 at last year’s event, this event continues to be the largest one-day community service project conducted in the county.

By: Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217

wsoaks@gmail.com

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com

Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds
Nevada County Fair August 7 – 11, 2013

Draft Horse Classic September 19 – 22, 2013

Halloween at the Fairgrounds October 26, 2013

Country Christmas Faire November 29 – December 1, 2013

For all your real estate needs
Email or call today:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

DRE#00669941

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