Why We Love This Place Wednesdays: Gary Bridges |
By Terra Avilla
There we were. My husband and I, a night free of our children and Frankie and I went to eat some sushi. Low and behold, who did we see? One of my favorite humans of all time, Gary Bridges.
We walked into the restaurant and immediately saw a huge beaming smile from the table, the smile and warmth that comes only from a Gary smile.
Over the years I have had hundreds of encounters with Gary, and he always has the same response. He has this way of making you feel very important and precious to him.
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He has never not said hi or stopped what he was doing to come give me a hug. Often taking even more time out of his day to do his silly voices for my daughters if they are with me. (And boy do they love his Donald Duck impression)
By how friendly and humble Gary is, you would never know how involved Gary is in our community and all of the titles and positions he holds. I am fairly certain that you all probably already know Gary through one of the million things he has done, or does, for this county of ours.
Aside from being a County Supervisor, Gary’s resume is extremely impressive, and it all revolves around the same theme service to others.
Which brings me to how I first met Gary, in his role in Neighborhood Watch.
Instead of complaining about a problem Gary was very, very proactive in trying to come up with a community solution. Gary would sit at meetings and brainstorm, as well as attempt to work with other agencies to make things better.
Whether it be putting in manual labor at all of the river cleanups. (Yes, he literally helped me pull copious amounts of garbage out of the river, like a hands-on kind of approach)
Sitting on the board for Lassen Family Services, making chili at the chili cook off- supporting every-single-community event, or sitting on the Grand Jury, Gary makes it a point to give back. And he does not do it for any sort of recognition or kudos.
When Officer Barham passed away, Gary came into the PD and wanted to know what he could do to help and I know in that moment, I could have asked Gary to do the most mundane task and he would have done so with a joyful heart. He just wanted to help.
When the riots of 2020 were happening, I remember seeing Gary and he gave me the tightest hug and asked if we (the police) were okay. He got teary eyed and told me he loved me, and worried every day for the law enforcement in this county. When I say I try love this man I mean it.
With the purposed closing of CCC, Gary has been aiding the wonderful Kerri Cobb in the efforts to keep CCC open. Gary is hardworking and genuine and one of the nicest human beings I have ever met.
Which brings me back to the beginning of my story.
After my husband sat down from getting our Gary hugs, we were surprised later in our dinner that *someone* had paid for our very expensive meal.
Obviously despite him not giving his name, Frankie and I instantly knew who had covered our dinner. We looked at Gary who gave us a huge grin.
That man, I tell you. He is somehow able to be in a million places at once, is always in a good mood, and still has time to dote on his wonderful wife. He is who I should be buying dinner for, (and I will one day Gary!), after all it would be a very small thank you for you being you – and for being one of the reasons I love the place we live.
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Garberville Man Charged with Vehicle Theft and Driving Under the Influence |
A report released by the Susanville office of the California Highway Patrol details the arrest of a Garberville man who was charged with vehicle theft and DUI after sliding into a snowbank on Highway 36 February 5th.
According to the report, at around 8:00p.m. a driver, identified by the CHP as 45-year old Jacob Charles Worrell, was traveling westbound on the highway, west of State Route 89, in a reported stolen 2004 Ford Expedition, when for unknown reasons he allowed the vehicle to travel off of the north roadway edge into a large, paved turnout.
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The vehicle struck a snow berm causing damage to the Ford before coming to rest on top of the snow.
“It is unknown if Worrell was wearing his lap and shoulder restraint at the time of the collision. However, Worrell sustained no injuries,” explains CHP spokesperson Brian Elledge. “Alcohol is suspected as a factor in this collision.”
Worrell was booked into the Tehama County Jail for charges of vehicle theft and driving under the influence.
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Tickets on Sale Now for the Return of Susanville’s Best of Broadway Series |
Tickets are on sale now for the return of Lassen County’s largest performing arts spectacular, with this year’s Best of Broadway looking to be one of the biggest and best in the series’ two-decade history.
After two years of COVID related cancellations, the annual theatrical extravaganza, which includes a cast of hundreds, gorgeous production values, stunning directorial prowess, and lots of fun music, returns to the Veterans Memorial Hall for performances during the first two weekends in March.
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This year’s Home Again at the Veterans Hall shows will feature pieces from a variety of musicals including The Greatest Showman, Frozen, Sweet Charity, Hamilton, Beetlejuice, Oklahoma and Shrek.
There will be a special Premier Show on Wednesday March 2nd, at 6:00p.m., that will feature a one-time-only performance of “It’s Quiet Uptown” from Hamilton.
Regular performances are scheduled for March 4th, at 7:00p.m., March 5th at 2:00 and 7:00p.m., March 9th, at 6:00p.m., March 11th, at 7:00p.m., March 12th, at 2:00 and 7:00p.m.
Tickets are available now at Margie’s Book Nook, Zaengles Floor and Home and the Lassen County Chamber office.
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Lassen County Fair Seeking Nominations for Old Timer and Grand Marshal |
Lassen County Fair manager Kaitlyn Midgely is looking for nominations for this year’s Old Timer of the Year and Grand Marshal, and the deadline to submit your nom is rapidly approaching.
“The Old Timer of the Year award is judged on kindness and service to our community,” explains Midgely.
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The nominee has to be at least 60-years old and have lived in Lassen County for at least 10 years.
The Grand Marshal award is a century old tradition based on accomplishments and contributions to the community.
The nomination forms must be submitted by March 4th, and include a brief history and accomplishments of the nominee. The winners will be decided at the March 8th, Lassen County Fair Advisory meeting.
For more information call the Lassen County Fair office at 1.530.251.8900.
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Dad Starr Super Salesman
February 16, 1943
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Did you ever try selling Victory Bonds as a business? No. Well, that is what H. M. (Dad) Starr does, and the only profit he reaps is in knowing he has the gratitude and support of the people of Susanville behind him. He also knows that he is serving his country in the best possible way he can.
Dad, as he is called by those who know him, came to California from New York in 1918 and finally made his home in Susanville. He worked for the Lassen Lumber and Box Company until 1929.
Acquired Stand
In August of 1941 “Dad” on one of his occasional trips to Southern California, he noticed the vast quantity of war bonds being sold on every street corner in some larger cities. Being interested in the war, and anxious to serve his country, he decided the folks in Susanville did not take the war seriously enough, so he took it upon himself to help his country by acquiring a small stand and selling bonds on Main Street of Susanville.
He calls his stand the Victory House. “People appreciate it,” he said. “and I got a great kick out of knowing I was helping win the war.”
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When winter came and the cold outside was unbearable, Mrs. Ruth Spalding, who runs one of the local drug stores, told Starr he could move inside and set up in one corner of the drug store.
Had Busy Day
Starr’s busiest day was December 7th, when local residents enraged at the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, bought over $10,000 worth of bonds. His greatest single sale was a $10,000 War Bond.
Between the birthdays of Lincoln and Washington, he sold more than $15,000 worth of bonds and stamps.
Last Christmas grateful citizens made him a present of more than $100 for his work in promoting the sale of bonds and stamps in Susanville.
Dad has also promoted other civic affairs, such as the campaign for a flag for the city hall. He also is the oldest living member of the Elks Lodge in Susanville.
“Dad” averages around $250 per day in the sale of bonds and stamps.
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If you are a fan of our daily history stories you should join the Lassen Historical Society! It's a fun way to be a part of our county's rich history. When you sign up you'll receive regular Historical Society newsletters with interesting stories and information. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in area history.
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Currently Playing
Sierra Theatre
Death on the Nile
Redeeming Love
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Uptown Cinemas
Blacklight
Marry Me
Moonfall
jackass forever
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What’s yellow and hurts when it gets in your eye?
A bulldozer!
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Today: Sunny. Highs 42 to 52. North winds 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight: Clear. Lows 16 to 26. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday: Sunny. Highs 45 to 55. East winds 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear in the evening then becoming partly cloudy. Lows 20 to 30. Light winds.
Friday: Partly cloudy in the morning then clearing. Highs 49 to 59.
Friday Night: Clear. Lows 22 to 32.
Saturday And Saturday Night: Clear. Highs 51 to 61. Lows 23 to 33.
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain and snow in the afternoon. Highs 43 to 53.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy with a slight chance of snow. Lows 15 to 25.
Washingtons Birthday And Monday Night: Partly cloudy. Highs 35 to 45. Lows 12 to 22.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy in the morning then becoming sunny. Highs 34 to 44.
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Congratulations to Dennis Giuntini, the winner
of this week's Pizza Factory giveaway!
You too could win a large one-topping pizza from the Susanville or Janesville Pizza Factory locations just by entering our weekly giveaway!
Just click here and follow the link to our handy entry form. You can enter once per day from each email address. We'll announce our weekly winner right here next Monday morning.
The prize is good for take-out or dine-in orders only, sorry no delivery.
Good luck and enjoy that yummy Pizza Factory Pizza!
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