GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - One thing the slowly retreating shelter-in-place orders can’t stop the spread of is love and hope.

Gridley resident Lucy Love has joined the community, Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce and the nation’s Heart Hunters movement which aims to inspire those sheltering in place, while giving them something fun to do and look forward too.

For those who have not yet met the firecracker, Lucy Love’s real name is Lucy Fiore. After surviving the Camp Fire and relocating to Gridley, Lucy felt the need to change her name to “Love” to reflect her love and gratitude for all her blessings, our little community and her biggest personality trait. In this great time of trial, Love not only has put up hearts in her windows and garlanded her fence, but sits out on her porch daily, making it a point to wave and smile to all those that pass by. “I think it’s important to be friendly” she says.

Her daughter Elizabeth and son-in-law Kenneth Marshall have helped with the hearts as well, supported by their neighbor, Mary Walker. That section of the block is feeling the love as they try and help spread it.  Lucy says that recently, a passerby stopped outside her gate to give her a message - “He wanted to tell me I was a nice addition to neighborhood!” she says.

Love isn’t the only one in Gridley hoping to combat the spread of COVID19 with hope and heart. Gridley’s Downtown is full of brightly colored hearts, as well as throughout the neighborhoods. The Chambers Heart Hunters Contest is in full-gear and they hope more will join regardless of the current re-opening measures being taken. Now until May 31^st, residents and businesses are asked to decorate their windows for hunters to view. Heart Hunters, children and youth, are asked to submit a list with their name, mailing address and phone number to the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce at 893 Hazel Street, with a list of the addresses of where they found hearts. On June 5^th, displays will be judged and winners for each city will be given. Categories are Best Overall Display – $50 and Most Hearts Located – $25.

Be like Lucy and help spread the Love!