History, music and connection

Back in 2011, a group of locals launched a major project to preserve the historic Jonesville Hotel (see “Saving the Jonesville Hotel,” Cover story, Oct. 6, 2011). The structure—the last remaining hotel along the old Chico and Humboldt Wagon Road—was in bad shape. I’m happy to report that, eight years and a whole lot of work later, progress has been made.

The red two-story building got a new foundation and the first floor restoration has been completed. It’s all gussied up, too—filled with period décor. To celebrate, the Jonesville Cabin Owners—the folks who own the cabins behind the hotel, as well as the historic barn across the street—are hosting a dinner there Aug. 24, titled “Dinner and Music on the Meadows Edge.” Bacio Catering will be whipping up a farm-to-table feast; Apollo School of Music will provide the entertainment. Tickets are $100 and must be purchased by Aug. 17 (go to tinyurl.com/jonesvillehoteldinner).

Speaking of … A few weeks ago, I was invited to attend a party at The Lounge at the Apollo School of Music, a fundraiser for the Arc of Butte County. It was the debut performance of the Chico Latin Orquesta, which was accompanied by salsa dance lessons—and, fittingly, a salsa bar.

I’m super bummed that I missed the dance instruction, though I caught glimpses of the teachers on the dance floor and they were great, making sure everyone was having a good time. The band was really fun and the space naturally has great acoustics. I’d not thought of a music school putting on events like that, but, I don’t know, why not?

Turns out the idea sprouted from working with Correlare, a company I was unfamiliar with but seems pretty cool. It offers a different way to market your business, by connecting you with the community, but in a nonforced way. Hence Apollo hosting events for nonprofits—it gets people in to the school while also helping a good cause. Check it out at correlare.com.

Apollo has a different fundraiser night planned each month—and they’re hiring dance instructors. The next event is “One Hot Irish Night,” Aug. 24. Ha’Penny Bridge will be playing and proceeds benefit Little Red Hen and children’s music programs (tinyurl.com/onehotirishnight).

For the pets I recently got word that VCA Valley Oak Veterinary Center received some well-deserved kudos earlier this summer for its efforts taking care of animals that were burned or injured during the Camp Fire. They were presented with the California Veterinary Medical Association’s Meritorious Service Award for their tireless efforts.

I didn’t even know until reading the award website that the field next to the center became a staging ground for emergency workers. Just thinking about all those scared and injured pets makes me weepy, so I think it’s awesome that the Valley Oak staff—some of whom lost their own homes in the blaze—recognized the toll it took on everyone trying to treat them. They brought healthy found pets around to the first responders to lift their spirits. Well done.