Jen and I celebrate a successful pageant during the challenges of the Dixie Fire

Since then, when Spring rolls around I start thinking about themes and picking songs, creating calendars, distributing applications, and making the texts and phone calls to all those involved. It takes a lot of people to make this annual event happen!

This year is an exception. My daughter Sofia took out an application and will be in the running for Miss Lassen County 2023. So, I have decided to be a pageant mom this summer; trading in my clipboard and script for a glittery sign emblazoned with her name and a cringey, but encouraging saying.

Celebrating 50 years of Miss Lassen in 2018

I will definitely miss the hustle of backstage and a summer full of making memories with Lassen County’s best, but I know the program is in good hands with my replacement Jen Wood.

My pageant life started shortly before graduation in 1988. (That’s 35 years ago for those of you doing the math.) I was serving at a wedding reception and director Ronnie Chandler said (more like demanded…lol), “You should run for Miss Lassen County!” I paused for a minute and thought to myself, yes, I should.

It had been a dream of mine since my uncle’s former girlfriend Lynn (Foster) Sheehy was crowned in the late 1970’s. But it was just a dream. I had never thought about what it would take to make it a reality.

I learned a lot about myself that summer. Memorizing dance steps and speeches, learning to walk properly in heels, and perfecting my interview techniques are all things that I took into my future. I even snagged a job at Sierra Theatre from my sponsors Mike and Carolyn Smith.

My mom and I became closer than ever with our endless trips to Reno, dress fittings, costume designing, and constant quizzing on current events.

When I came up short at the end of the summer, Ronnie encouraged me to do it again. Something I didn’t take seriously until someone said to me, “Can’t you just be happy with second place?” I was never an athlete, but suddenly I was a competitor.

Serving my community as Miss Lassen County 1989 was one of the best times I’ve ever had. I loved dressing up, putting on my crown, and getting out to do work. From festivals and fashion shows to the Children’s Fair and Special Olympics track meet, I enjoyed every minute of my reign.

I loved meeting the people of Lassen County and representing them during Miss Cal State week was such an honor. It was there that I met Suzette Galloway (Mrs. G) who, like Merryweather in Sleeping Beauty, ensured that the county representatives felt confident and sparkly as they went onstage. She continues to be source of inspiration and encouragement.

Nikki, Renae, Donna, and I at one of the first pageants we directed

It is impossible to list all of the incredible people I’ve encountered because of the pageant in the last 35 years. Al and Joy Robbins come to mind. At first, they sponsored my competitor, but they became my biggest supporters and more than friends.

I didn’t mean for this to turn into my queen’s last walk speech, but thank yous to:

Every Miss Lassen, Ambassadress, Princess, and contestant, from Autumn (Santos) Cappalonga to Olivia Ormachea have blessed me in different ways and many have become my dear friends.

It was always my goal to help each one of you find your potential and realize that like Glinda the Good Witch said, “You’ve always had the power, my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself.”

The fair managers who believed in me and gave me carte blanche to create an annual showcase that brought in loyal audiences and ticket sales: Tom Henderson, Claude Neely, Jim Wolcott, and Kaitlyn Midgeley. And to the fair boards who supported me and my decisions.

Our talented local emcees, Hugh Hardaway, Scott Blackwood, and Jeremy Couso, who make the show run smoothly. Every time I visit another competition, I appreciate their professionalism even more!

All of my co directors are forever in my heart: Renae Langslet, Nikki Langslet, Donna Weeks, Salome Shaw, Frank Marino, Courtney St. Jacques, Becky Hubbard, Jillaine Singleton, and Jen Wood. Thank you for enriching my life, holding me accountable, and making the dreams of hundreds of young women come to fruition. “Because of you, I am changed for the better.”

My backstage friends Cary, Wendy, Barb, Becky, Dawn, Kerrissa, Salome, BJ, and all of the other hairdressers and trailer attendants. You are there to put out the fires and make sure everyone looks and feels beautiful through every aspect of the show and you have never failed.

The talented choreographers (Jessica, Seanne, Jillaine), dancers, and singers (Emily, et al) who fill in the spaces and carry our story from beginning to end.

All the various parts of this program! The judges, workshop presenters (I’m looking at you Teresa), sponsors, program designers, parade drivers, trailer providers, accountants, judges’ assistants, florists…the list goes on and on!

And finally, to my family: Leo, Jake, Landon, Sofia, mom, dad, Casey, Alison (my amazing set designing sister), and Juanita-by association you have been an integral part of the MLC program. Whether it was setting up the backstage, decorating the stage, or watching the kids while I had rehearsal, I couldn’t have done it without you.

I’m so excited that Sofia gets to experience this competition. I might be a nervous wreck sitting in the audience, but I can just imagine her shining onstage. Ah, goosebumps!

Until next year…

One of my favorite pics with the 2016 royalty

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.”

The atmosphere at Bottle and Brush is absolutely perfect. It is a wonderful spot in our town to enjoy some wine and company. (I don’t even like wine and I found a drink I like!)

Heather had booked the class online and the rest was seriously the most stress-free thing, ever. The staff at Bottle and Brush do everything for you. From bringing you your charcuterie, to helping you with whatever paint debacle you think you would like to create.

It is the perfect event for some much-needed girl time, or a date night. I can’t wait until baseball season is over so I can take my husband there! I know he will enjoy it, despite his own proclamation that he is not “artsy.”

Following along with Bryan is not only easy, but he is very entertaining and captivating, which works wonders on individuals like me, whose ADD sends them into a tailspin.

At one point he walked around the room and I laughed and told him to not look at my painting. Bryan laughed and said everyone’s work was wonderful and he was just watching their progress. It really is a no judgment zone.

The class was stacked with familiar faces, and I even made a friend. (Shout out to Deb and her son -wherever you are!) She sat across from Heather and I and we all were having a very good time with one another.

And I know it’s not just the art classes that make this business so special. Roxana and Bryan Haynes (the owners) have gone out of their way to create a place for individuals to go to relax, and socialize in a very unique way.

I feel, actually, quite mad at myself for never having really gone inside before, because I have been missing out.

Not only do they serve wine and offer paint classes, they also have a really cool retail section.

During the holiday season a lot of our older kiddos want art sets, and I reached out to them asking if they could construct like 30 kits in two days, and they happily did it for us. And they were a huge hit!

At that time, when I went inside to collect the kits, I was blown away at the beautiful handmade items they have for sale, including jewelry, handbags, candles, paintings and more. It’s definitely a great spot to pick up some unique gifts.

Businesses like Bottle and Brush are so important for our town because, while they are new and exciting, they are the hearts of the people who work there, most definitely still have a very hometown feel.

This week, they are hosting a fundraiser for Lassen Family Services, donating much of the proceeds straight back into our community. This is a wonderful place we have, nestled on Main Street, right in the center of the community that I love.

Chief James Moore along with Fire Captains Andrew Jarrett and Tom Hernandez

Chief Moore Announces Promotion of Andrew Jarrett to Fire Captain

Susanville Fire Chief James Moore announced Tuesday that Fire Apparatus Engineer Andrew Jarrett has been promoted to the position of Fire Captain.

Jarrett began his career as a Volunteer Firefighter with the SFD in 2010 and was hired a full-time permanent Firefighter I in 2017. Since then, according to Moore, he has worked to promote through the Firefighter II and Fire Apparatus and Engineer ranks.

“Captain Jarrett has worked hard to achieve a Fire Science Degree at Lassen College, holds an EMT-B license, and currently serves as the department’s fleet mechanic,” adds Chief Moore.

“I have full confidence Captain Jarrett will continue to serve our department and our community with the highest level of professionalism, pride and respect.”

Congratulations Captain Jarrett!

An aerial view of the Lassen County Fair from August 1950. Eastman Studio postcard

Susanville Studies Auto Racing Plans

April 14, 1952

The possibility of auto racing at the Fair Grounds was discussed at a meeting of the county fair board and representatives of the 20-30 Club, which is interested in sponsoring the races, and a representative from the American Racing Association.

The matter was taken under advisement until another meeting of the fair board at the end of this month. The county board of supervisors would also have to approve. James Bone and Leo Carman from the 20-30 Club and Al Frager from Reno, representative of the National Racing Association, urged the racing be permitted at the Fair Grounds.