Show: On The Town Station: KNCO File: 10:5.mp3 Air date: 2026-10-05 Source: OpenAI whisper-1 · shrunk from 30.6 MB to 6.1 MB --- transcript --- It is 1133, 86 degrees, and time to chat with Rick Fischer, financial advisor with Astro Financial Consultants, LPL Financial, member SIPC. So Rick, you enjoy the series so far? There's two games on the books? Yeah, I wish we won yesterday. That was a heartbreaking loss. Yeah, that Blake Snell, I think, he didn't make it three innings. Is that right? I think he pulled him in the fourth. I had grandkids over, so I couldn't give 100% attention to the ball game. But I think he walked six. That's the Blake Snell that I remember with the Giants. All those walks and then a big hit. But I don't know if he did it. Yeah, but he... No, I gave him, I think, a couple base hits, but he also has the highest strikeout percentage of all time. Over 11. So he gives up the walks, yeah, but he strikes out a lot of people, too. Yeah, but he... He just didn't have a good game. He didn't have a good game. 86 pitches, something like that. So, well, we'll see if he turns things around. He may not have to pitch again in this series. This is true. Yeah. So the game, I think, is tomorrow, right? Yes. Yes. In Atlanta. Okay. Sounds like it might be a fun game. I think it's a good series, shaping up to be good. And Wall Street, is that also shaping up to be a good thing? It's improving. We were mixed this morning, and now we're up across the board. We've got the Dow now up 153 points to 51,331. S&P 500's up a little more than 57 points to 77.80. And the NASDAQ is leading the charge up over 1%, up, I think, in record territory, up 281 points to 27,472. Taking a look at commodities, we've got oil off $1.32 to $89.79 a barrel. Gold statistically flat up just 50 cents to $4,163 an ounce. And silver's up 98 cents to $61.40 an ounce. And the 10-year Treasury, currently, we have a yield of 5.35%. So that is your midday report. And we'll get an update from you right after the 5.30 newscast this afternoon. So until then, this has been Rick Fisher of Ostroff Financial Consultants, Inc., LPL, inviting you to call us at 273-4425 and discover the difference when you think beyond investments. Have a wonderful afternoon. Security is offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA SIPC. Investment advice offered through Ostroff Financial Consultants, Inc., a registered investment advisor, and separate entity from LPL Financial. Discover the stories that shaped Nevada County on History Unfolded, hosted by Tom Fitzsimmons and myself, Mike Stewart, with special guests, the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 9 a.m., brought to you by Mowl Paint and Glass, serving Nevada County since 1949, and Smarter Broadband, local, reliable, high-speed internet. Don't miss the voices, the stories, and the history that make our community unique, right here on KNCO News Talk 830. If you've been feeling unsteady, disoriented, or like your surroundings are moving, you're not imagining it, and you're not alone. For many people, these are signs of a vestibular disorder, and it can make everyday life challenging. The good news is, there is help. The Vestibular Disorders Association offers trusted information, support from people who understand, and connections to specialists. Visit liferebalance.org to learn more and take a step toward feeling steady again. That's liferebalance.org, sponsored by the Vestibular Disorders Association. All right, KNCO News Time, 1137, 86 degrees. Welcome to On the Town, Tom Fitzsimmons here at the KNCO Studios, excited about today's show because we're talking Neighborhood Center of the Arts, also known as Neighborhood Center, also known of the arts. We're going to get everybody all straightened out on that because it's a big time for them. They do artwork, and they have been doing it for decades with some very special neighbors of ours up at a center in the Lytton Building on top of the hill just up from the radio station. Ava Johnson is here, and Ava Johnson worked for years here, arguably the best sales executive we ever had at KNCO was Ava Johnson. You're laughing at that, Ava, but it's totally true. You were a part-timer that sold a lot of stuff. Yes, I did. Yes, you did. Yes, you did. Did you like your job here? I loved my job here. I loved my clients. Yeah, and they loved you. Matter of fact, we had a great relationship with Penn Valley True Value. Always think of that place when I think of you. Of course, your place is, are you still living down there in the Penn Valley area? I am. You still have horses? I do. All right, what are their names? Tommy and Levi. Tommy and Levi. Yes. Okay, I can understand. Tommy, why Levi? He was given to me. Okay. Obviously from a Jewish family. So, yes, that's always good. You feed them leavened bread and oats? Of course. All right, fair enough. We do have Jen Goff here as well. Jen, nice meeting you. We met at Taffanelli's just recently. We did. Yeah, when we were trying to get this date arranged for talking about the Neighborhood Center of the Arts. How did you get involved with the Neighborhood Center? I go to open studios every year because I just love it. I think it's so fun to see all the different artists. I kept hearing, you've got to go to the Neighborhood Center studio, got to go, got to go. I don't know why I didn't. Then they had their Spring Fling and I went to that, which is a big sale and celebration. Yeah. Oh, my gosh. It blew my mind. The studio is amazing and the art, so I just was like, okay, I need to get involved. When you go to those tours, you also meet the artists as well? At Spring Fling, you do. Not every artist is there every day, so you get to meet some of them when you do the tours. For people that don't know, Ava, can you explain the Neighborhood Center of the Arts, who they help and who their clients are there? They have approximately 50 participants and it's adult students with learning disabilities. It's to help them create their art and do what they can do to help them stay independent. They do different types of works and different type of textiles, a whole bunch of different mediums that they do, right? Yes, they have canvas, paper paintings, weavings, textile art, illustration, sculpture, handmade jewelry, upcycled furniture, unique wall art, and a ton more. Were you an art lover growing up and stuff? You and I never talked about art when you worked here. It's because of you. Really? Is it because of me? No. I love art. Yeah? I think it's very important to have art in the world. I think it tells you so much. You get to meet people, you get to see how somebody feels without ever meeting them. Because art can make you feel so many different emotions, right? You can feel love, you can feel pain. Yeah, a lot of people use it for therapy, just to kind of work out their emotions. And it can bring joy and happiness, it can be whimsical. And it's so unique. So I think it's very important that we have art in the world. All right. So how did you get involved with Neighborhood Center as well? I also went to the Spring Fling. Spring Fling, same thing. Yes. And it was amazing. It was amazing to see all the artists, and it was amazing to see Amy Medeiros, who is the executive director, what she's done with the place. And it's just amazing to be in the building, to see all the creativity, you know, and the abilities of these people, to see how they see things. Yeah. Yeah, it's so much fun. There's so many cute little things. The art is so unique, it's so colorful. It's really amazing. That is. I highly recommend checking it out. That's awesome. Now, see, it's almost counterintuitive, though, right? Because you have an open studio tour, and some people might be intimidated to go visit a place that have people with some disabilities, maybe, just because they might... And I don't mean this as anything mean, but there was a little bit of ignorance around what they can and can't do, and what they can and can't produce. Yeah, it's open and friendly, and it's a really good environment, definitely. It's very inviting. It's so wonderful that when you just walk through the door, it's hard to get past the first room, because there's so much to look at, you know. And the people there are so kind and loving. It's a beautiful environment. And I imagine the artists, Ava, when they get done with their projects and stuff, must be beaming, just with pride about what they're able to produce. I think so. And I think the beauty of it is they get 50% of the sales, so it helps them stay independent once again. So there's a lot of good that comes from it. Yeah. Okay. So are you guys on the board of directors? Yes. Okay. So how did that happen? I mean, let's talk about going to an open studio tour, and then how did you become board members? Well, I think it's important at some time in your life to give back, to give back to the beautiful community that we live in. And so to help support people that are helping to support others, you just feel good. You receive more when you give. So being on the board and being able to help wherever we can, but because we're new, both Jen and I are brand new on the board, we don't really know, we haven't got a feel for the whole thing. Yeah. But we do know that you have to help. You have to show up. Yeah. No, that's absolutely true. I mean, they need board members to have this thing work. Have you ever been on a board before, Jen? I have not. This is my first experience. First time on a board? Mm-hmm. Ava, the same for you? I've been on a surfboard and a boogie board. You're always set to go. I know. I was trying to think of something like that. You little hula dancer. You little hula dancer, you. Yeah. Okay. So is it tougher to be on the board than you thought, or is it very formal? What's it like to be on the board there? It's definitely a learning experience because there's a lot going on. It's a really friendly board, so it's not like high pressure, but there's just a lot going on, and it's a good experience to step into how a meeting is run, kind of re-remember all of the rules of meetings and how those go, and at the same time, still get things done. So for me, it's been really interesting learning how to communicate in kind of a different way. Well, I tell you what, it's nice that you two board members have stepped up to be like the publicity people, kind of coming here and talking about this. Is the timing of this because of the Open Studio tour that's out there coming up right now? Yes. Yeah, definitely. All right. So when can people go visit the Neighborhood Center at this point? For the Open Studios, the days for the Open Studios are Saturdays and Sundays, October 10th and 11th, and 17th and 18th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and they also have an open reception at the Center of the Arts on October 8th from 5 to 7. Wait a minute. Center for the Arts. Center for the Arts. Uh-oh. Hold on. I'll erase that. It seems like the built-in problem. This is the built-in problem. It is. I know. I'm still working on it. Still working on it. And we are Studio 36. Yes. Come see Studio 36. Studio 36 is the one up there at the Linton Building? Neighborhood Center of the Arts. Correct. Studio 36. Linton Building. Linton Building. That's correct. Up from the Briar Patch. The Center for the Arts is downtown Grass Valley. That's correct. They have the Granucci Studio, if I recall. Yes. Right. It's all up here. Good job. Yeah. And they're having their, let's see, they're opening their party Thursday, this Thursday from 5 to 7 at Center for the Arts. All right. Now, is that a hoity-toity type of affair? Is it a, have you been to it before? Yes. At the opening reception? Yes. It's not hoity-toity. What I use it for is they have examples of the artist's art there. So there's like 90 studios that they've got open these two weekends. So it's good to go down and look around and see, like, what do I like? That's 9090? Yeah. Actually, I think it's 81. 81 studios open to the public to come look at. And so it's hard to choose, except for you should choose number 36, for sure. All right. Do they have a map of where- They do. Uh-huh. You can go- There's an online, there's an online, like, guide. But you can also go down to the Center for the Arts and pick up a paper guide as well that has maps in it. It shows where everybody is and what they do. So, yeah, good information. All right. Now, Jen, have you ever done art in your past? Yes. I would say I'm a budding artist. You're a budding artist? Okay. What type of art do you do? I do mixed media. I make journals, art journals, and I make them so that I pass them to someone. They put their art in it, and then they pass it to someone, and they put their art in it. So they're kind of traveling art journals. Traveling art journals. Yes. It's been very fun. Now, where'd you get the idea of that? I've never heard of that, I don't think. I don't know. It just landed. It landed in your head? Yes. Which art sometimes does. Just landed in her head, Ava. Is that true? Yes. I saw it. Now, have you done any artwork yourself? No. I'm an art groupie. Art groupie? Yes. That's more of what I am. Well, I mean, I've dabbled with pen and ink. I've dabbled with, you know, other mediums and stuff. But again, this is everything from textiles to weaving and all that stuff, right? So the first weekend, 10th and 11th, the plan is for one of the artists to be there weaving. So if you want to see someone in action, she'll be there and she makes the cutest things. Oh my goodness, these pillowcases that are, they're so cute. Really? Yeah. You can go check her out. Her name is Cindy. Cindy? Yeah. And that's at the Neighborhood Center? Yes. Okay. I want to make sure. Sorry about that. Neighborhood Center of the Arts. Up the road. Just on Lytton Building. Lytton Building. Okay. And it is an incredibly wonderful place and an incredible resource. The students there, some of them have been there a long time. I don't know if they still are there, but I've known some students to be up there upwards of 15, 20 years. Yeah. Is that still the case? Yeah. And the staff, too. I mean, people stick around because it's a good place. All right. Now, is this a fundraiser? Can you buy artwork or is it, how does this work? Yes. All the artwork is for sale. Okay. And so it's available, you know, for anybody to come in and purchase. All right. Now, for the artists up there, are they willing to talk about how they created stuff if they are there? When I was there for Spring Fling, I met a few of the artists and they were very interesting and they were very willing and happy to share their thoughts on their artwork and how they came about it. Were they serious? I take it they were very serious and stuff, huh, in a way? I don't know if I would say serious. I would think just very happy and joyful to share, you know, because it's a part of them. Yeah. You know, it's a gift. All right. And how many students are up there at this point, ladies? Do you know? Being on the board, I don't know if you... Approximately 50 students. All right. Is that good numbers or is that consistent numbers? I think it's a healthy number, but I'm not positive just because I'm new and we don't really deal with the students yet. I mean, I've only been to a few of the board meetings so far. All right. It seems like it's a healthy number because there seems to be quite a bit of art available. Well, I think what's kind of wonderful, Jen, is that this neighborhood center is also part of the Open Studios Tour where you have probably accomplished artisans, you know, around the county and stuff that do it for their living and things like that. But here you have this place with very special adults up there doing special art. Yeah. And the money does help them also. They're making a living off of their art there. So I know they're working artists, definitely. All right. Yeah. You guys are on the board. And how is the neighborhood center doing as far as funding goes and donations go and all that stuff? Because it has been a weird climate out there, to say the least. Yeah. I think they're doing well, but you can always do better. You know, we're always trying to raise more money. And I think it's really important for the community to support that because it's people that are trying to stay independent and not rely on others for their living. And you know, it was started, like, the mission of the program is to provide arts-based training and education. So it has, and we are a nonprofit, so we are always asking for donations. And we have several ways that if people are interested in being a part of it by just donating, we have several programs. We have Champion of the Arts, which is $100 plus per month, or Crusaders of the Arts, which is $75, Believer of the Arts, Defenders of the Arts, or Backers of the Arts, which could be a one-time donation of any amount. You know, so if you just go online and look for Neighborhood Center of the Arts, you can donate online, or the better thing would be to come to the studio, you know, donate and purchase. The timing is perfect because obviously holiday season is knocking on the door, so this is something you could do, kind of previewing Christmas shopping and stuff at this point? You can do all of your Christmas shopping now with us. Yeah, exactly. And we're also going to have, excuse me, I'm sorry, a holiday show in December, which is another fundraiser. Yeah, I just found that out. Yeah, so you're going to be on again, aren't you? I'm hoping. Of course you will. To remind everyone, it's December 3rd, it starts December 3rd, it's a Thursday, and that will begin our holiday shopping show. But I think this is the time to do it, though, early, all right? Do they have equestrian art, since you're like a horse lady? Yes, they do. They have ceramics, like horses, and chickens, they have the most adorable chickens, and there's also a lot of greeting cards, too, or unique art cards. Almost like you could use for thank you cards, or just personal notes and stuff? Yeah, anything. Love cards, love notes. Love notes. Yeah, that's it. Romantic. Yes. Or just to say hello, or hope you're feeling better. So there's a variety of things, and it's very affordable for art. Yeah, all right. That's nice to know, too. Would you say it's affordable? She's highfalutin. Jen, do you consider it affordable? I do. I do. I mean, there's like huge weavings that are a little more expensive, as they should be, but there's little things, too. So if you're looking for something unique and handmade, it's a great place to go looking around for your holiday shopping. I would be fascinated to see the weaving, I have to admit. That's with the loom and all that stuff going on? Yeah. All right, that's very interesting. Okay, we're going to take our one break, and we're going to do that right now, as we were talking about Neighborhood Center of the Arts. They are part of the Open Studio Store. And again, quick break. We'll be right back. 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Is it 9? 10 in the morning. 10, okay. And we are Studio 36. Studio 36. Correct. So there's going to be like a little sign or something up there that people just have to follow to find it? Yep. It's fairly easy, right? Yeah, Neighborhood Center of the Arts. You just go to the roundabout, go up the hill, go to the end, and there's plenty of parking. There's plenty of parking outside there, and the sign should be able to take you right in there. Have you guys already seen everything that's going to be shown? You can never see everything in there. I'm just saying this because there's upcycled furniture. Can anybody explain what that is, upcycled furniture? Yeah. I like to do upcycled furniture, actually. You do? Yeah. Are you just making this up, Jen? Sure. You can do a couple of things. One is just painting what is currently there with some art, which is fun. Or you can take pieces from different pieces of furniture and combine them together into something completely new. And go from there. That's kind of interesting. But basically you're using like recycled stuff. And these students are doing this? Yes. Not everybody does everything. But you come in and you kind of find your niche, and that's where you go. How are the jewelry pieces? I'm thinking about gift giving and stuff, say for my daughters and stuff like that. How's the jewelry? It's beautiful. They're very unique. It's a unique piece. So I think that's lovely. But it's all a matter of taste, of course. Yeah. They do like fancy sculptures and stuff like that as well? Any of that stuff going on? The ceramics have different shapes and stuff. They do mugs. They do little art pieces. Yeah. And it's different. Once a piece gets bought, then something else kind of gets replaced for it. So lots of different choices. Okay. Well, there's a lot to see there. With the studios that are out there, is this one of the ones that has like a lot to look at? So it might take up a good part of your weekend? Yes. To go through it, right? Because it's over 50 artists. Yeah. Approximately 50 artists, students. Yeah, because that's what I was familiar with a lot of these other studios. They might have like a specific artist, but that's their one medium that they do, and that's it. Correct. Do you have like a song playing there, Ava, by chance? Is that like theme music for you? Yes, it is. I am so sorry. Oh, no, no. You don't have to apologize. I'm not on airplane mode. I thought you would sing along with that because of your beautiful voice. You usually do like Hawaiian stuff, you know, with the hooligans. Both Jen and I are students of hula. Are you both hula dancers? Yes, we are. How long have you been dancing? I'm new. I've been there. This is my year anniversary, actually. Well, God bless you for being new at this thing. I mean, you're a new board member. You're new at hula. Well, they say you're supposed to try new stuff, right, as you gracefully age. Well, I've given up on the graceful part of it, but yes. Well, congrats on that. Thank you. All right. And when do you guys have a next hula dance? Anything planned? We'll be performing it probably Chinese New Year's next year. All right. Are you guys doing the merry monarch over at the Big Island? I wish. That would be so fun. That's the Olympics of hula. I know, but I figured why not? Why not just throw it out there? Just throw it out there, Ava. Okay, well, not this year. All right. Maybe next. Maybe next. All right. So we're down to the last minute. All right. So let's go who, what, and where again. The Open Studios Tour happens with a whole bunch of studios. Correct. If you go up to the Neighborhood Center, will they have a map on the other studios where they are and stuff as well? That's a good question. You can go online. You can go online, and you'll see it. There's a flipping pamphlet in there, and you can download it. You can have it on your phone. All right. But a Center for the Arts should have it, but it's definitely online, easy to find. So it's Neighborhood Center of the Arts. I should say that. Neighborhood Center of the Arts. If you want to go to the kickoff celebration, it's at the Center for the Arts in downtown Grass Valley. Correct. And that is what? Thursday, did you say? Thursday, five to seven. And we are studio number 36, Neighborhood Center. That's right. Yes. You got it? That's what it's all about. Jen, Ava, thank you so much for coming in. Thank you. I appreciate it. Letting everybody know about this. All right. That does it for us. --- end of transcript ---