Quilter Martha Ede surrounded by her family, including daughter

Rhoda Helene, several granddaughters, and great granddaughter

While many of our local activities and clubs were on hold, Country Pines Quilt Shop was open and this is where professional seamstress Ede found solace. Encouraged by granddaughter Brittany, the two started to construct quilts for all of their family members.

Martha was quick to point out that Brittany “cuts and I quilt.” Either way, it’s quite the labor of love and everyone in attendance admired their intricately beautiful creations.

Honey Lake Hospice coordinator Andria Cuypers gives thanks to tea organizer Dawn Lightsey

Lightsey was recognized for her service with a bouquet of flowers and many thanks from Andria Cuypers, coordinator of Honey Lake Hospice.

In reflection Dawn said, “[Hospice] is something people don’t realize they need until they need it. It’s so valuable in our community because palliative care is a gift. The caretaker develops a relationship with the patient and their family. They give them dignity and safety in their own home. They provide comfort.”

Lightsey took over the helm from Mimi Rena in 2019. She refers to Mimi as the matriarch of the tea. The two have a special bond because Mimi was the caretaker who was there for Dawn and her family when they needed it.

Honey Lake Hospice was the inspiration of Claudia Dunlavy, who with the help of many others, started this organization in 2004 to provide compassionate care to terminally ill patients, either in their home or hospital.

Coordinator Andria Cuypers explained that the patient care volunteers are trained in caring for the hospice patient, techniques to improve communication, and basic symptom management.

Delicious coconut custard parfaits made by Mimi Rena

She emphasized that the volunteers do not provide skilled nursing, but work in conjunction with all disciplines (physicians, nurses, pharmacies, therapists, clergy, and funeral directors) to best support the patient and their family.

Office manager Kathy Barker shared that like many others in the community, she associated Hospice with the yearly tea, but didn’t really know what they did until her husband was terminally ill. As she spoke, it was clear to me that she was greatly touched by the care and compassion provided by volunteers like Mimi and Andria.

Andria said they would like to bring on more patient care volunteers and invited those interested to attend Hospice 101, taking place on May 20th, 9:00-4:00 in Chester. This training is presented in collaboration with Honey Lake, Plumas, and Sierra Hospice. If you are interested, please contact Sierra Hospice at 530-258-3412.

The Good Grief Support Group is another service provided by Honey Lake Hospice. The group, led by Mike Boretz, meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month 6:30-8:30 at the Comfort Inn.

My table setting provided by Strange Acres of Milford and our local Goodwill

Hospice would not exist without the help of their volunteers and our generous community. They are completely funded through donations and fundraisers, like the tea and “Light Up a Life.”

Light Up a Life begins in October with the sale of dove-shaped ornaments. When purchased, the doves are personalized with a loved one’s name and put on a beautiful Christmas tree in front of the Methodist Church.

On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the tree is lit and presented to the community. All of the names are read aloud, the hand bell choir performs, and there is usually a vocal presentation. Both Cuypers and Barker said that last year Deb Sokol did a wonderful job.

Afterwards, the attendees gather in the church’s social hall for warm drinks and conversation, often telling stories and remembering their loved ones.

As our conversation ended, Andria reiterated how grateful they are for anyone who has provided support for the Hospice Tea. From the volunteers who prepared food, decorated tables, and served to the individuals who donated items to the silent auction and basket raffle.

This includes the many businesses who donated items needed for the event: IGA, Tea of Life, Lassen County Fairgrounds, Susanville Christian Fellowship, Debbie Lucero, Lassen Addressing, Country Pines Quilt Shop, LDS Young People’s Group, and Martha Ede, quilter extraordinaire.

If you would like more information about Honey Lake Hospice, their office phone number is 530-257-3137.

Sofia, Chantal, and Amour are ready to serve

Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to shelleybennett24@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”

“Both officers, bystanders, with fire personnel immediately provided medical attention to the driver of the motorcycle, who was conscious,” explains Susanville Chief of Police Ryan Cochran.

According to the SPD report, the driver of the motorcycle, identified as Curtis P. Robinson, was the only person involved in the accident.

“The preliminary investigation shows that the driver of the motorcycle allowed the bike to leave the roadway when he was thrown into a ditch. No other vehicles were involved.”

The driver was taken to the Banner Lassen Medical Center helipad and life-flighted to Renown Medical Center in Reno we he was later pronounced dead as a result of his injuries.

Anyone witnessed the accident is encouraged to contact the Susanville Police Department at 530-257-5603.

Officer reports totaled 108, with a variety of reasons for the report being filed.

There were a total of 116 front desk counter calls.

There were twenty-two misdemeanor, and ten felony arrests in March.

Senior Prom Tux Rentals – Jim’s Formal Wear from Chester will be in the Library on Monday, May 1st from 2:00 to 4:00 to measure and take deposits for Senior Prom Tux rentals. Be sure to mark your calendars.

Cadet Corps Lunch – All students who have served in Cadet Corps, you are invited to attend a lunch meeting on Wednesday, April 19th in Mrs. Vincent’s room.

Grab your fanny pack and sun hat, today is Tacky Tourist day!

ASVAB Testing – ASVAB testing is Thursday, April 20th at 8:30a.m., in the library. Please sign up in the counseling office if you’re interested in taking the test. You must be signed-up to take the test that day.

Counseling News

LCC Scholarships are now open. Information and applications are available in the LCC Financial Aid Department. If you have questions stop by the LHS counseling office. If you are a Senior and are planning to attend LCC in the fall, please come to the counseling office and sign up to meet with an LCC representative.

Current Scholarships American Legion, Sagebrush Ranch Horse Association, California Retired Teachers Association #76, Beta Sigma Phi Eta-Eta, Christine Burriel Memorial, Stephen Robert Montgomery Memorial, All Season Heating & Air Trade School, Sierra Desert Properties, Native Daughters of the Golden West, Susanville Basque Club, Peter Lassen, Lassen Fastpitch Lassen Lighting Softball, Rotary, Susanville Teachers Association, Lassen MUD Community, Lassen Youth Soccer, Former Senior Club, Tillie Brodie Memorial, Robin Stampfli.

The Honorable Gladys Spencer Burroughs - From the Couso Family Collection

Woman Mayor Rules Now in Susanville

April 18, 1923

The town of Susanville now has a women mayor, Mrs. Gladys Burroughs, wife of Superior Judge H. O. Burroughs, having been selected for that position by her associates on the town board.

Mrs. Burroughs was elected City Trustee and when Mayor J. E. Pardee resigned recently was advanced to the mayoralty.

The new Mayor is a native of the town over which she presides.