By the end of first period I was exhausted mentally and physically. I looked out into my classroom and saw similar expressions. My kids were tired. My kids were confused. My kids were weary.

During my prep period, I remembered that last year my word was “Pivot”, as in the famous episode of Friends when Ross tries to move a couch that is clearly too large for the apartment he is putting it in. Ross continually yells “Pivot” as his friends try to maneuver the coach up the stairs, around corners, and through the hallways to the destination.

I felt it was appropriate with how our teaching schedule changed from time to time last year. We would start in person, then Mr. Nugent would email “Pivot” and we would change to distance learning, then a few weeks later “Pivot” to an A/B schedule. If only I had known what 2021-22 would bring.

Before school started, my friend and former colleague Laura Rotlisberger suggested that “Bob and Weave” might be a better approach to the school year. We laughed and agreed that it seemed on target, especially with the closures from the Dixie Fire that already delayed our start.

“Bob and Weave” lasted for about nine days.

In my reflection I decided that I’m moving on to the Five Rules of Dodgeball for the next part of the school year. You might remember them from the movie with Ben Stiller: Dodge. Duck. Dip. Dive. Dodge.

I don’t even know what the analogy means yet, but I think it’s going to work. I think it means that when Mr. Nugent says “Dodge”, I will. And when Mrs. Huber says it’s time to “Duck”, I’ll do that too.

I am thankful for their leadership along with Mr. Nielsen. They are making the difficult decisions and breaking it down for us Average Joes with simple directions and coaching.

On that note, I am thankful for my colleagues (or my teammates if we’re going to go with this Dodgeball theme). They show up. Every day. Weekends. Holidays. Early mornings. Late nights. Put on the uniform and go all out for our kids. They even sub in when there’s no one else.

So, first period kids, tomorrow is a new day. It will be better. We’ll find the good stuff.

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.”

You can help support Lassen CrimeStoppers by entering to win cool items in their big Online Raffle Fundraiser until this Friday, September 17th at 4:00p.m. Winners will be announced in a live event on the CrimeStoppers Facebook page beginning at 4:00p.m. on Saturday.

Why should you support CrimeStoppers? The group actively works to eliminate crime in Lassen County by offering rewards for tips that lead to the apprehension of a suspect, or that leads to the prosecution of a crime. The group, through its periodic postings to to local and social media, publish a list of wanted subjects as provided by local law enforcement.

Since 2016, when Lassen CrimeStoppers began, they have awarded 67-tipsters totaling $3,415.00. As well as many tips that come in from people who never ask for money and just want to anonymously submit a tip.

A sheet of tickets to enter to win items are $10 each and with each sheet you get 25-chances to win. You can pick which items you want and enter to win multiple items. Let the organization know and they will put your tickets in the basket for that item and announce the winner Saturday afternoon. You do not have to be present to be the raffle winner. Raffle entries end at 4:00p.m. Friday.

Raffle Items (make sure you let us know, either on the phone or in messenger, which Item# you are entering to win.) Your $10 gets you 25 chances to win and you can distribute your 25-tickets across as many items as you would like. Just let them know!

Item #1 Susanville Ace Hardware – You are entering to win a Yeti mania basket with 3 30-ounce Yeti tumblers, 2 tall can insulators and one giant 36oz water bottle valued at $250.00.

Item #2 Zaengles Floor and Home Decor – You are entering to win a Thin Blue Line flag wall hanging valued at $150.00.

Item #3 Puparazzi – You are entering to win a a Pet Grooming for animals under 60lbs valued at $40.00.

Item #4 Tantardinos – You are entering to win a the ‘sweetest meal deal’ with a sweatshirt and 2 $25.00 gift certificates for a total value of $75.00.

Item #5 Diamond Mountain Casino – You are entering to win a a one-night stay at the hotel and a $20.00 off the Sports Bar and Grill.

Item #6 Stone House – You are entering to win a $50.00 certificate for breakfast or lunch.

Item #7 Applied Kinetic Concepts – You are entering to win two certificates for $144.00 in health and wellness services.

Item #8 Les Schwab Tires – You are entering to win a one free alignment on your favorite vehicle valued at $110.00.

Item #9 Lassen Foster Youth Services Program – You are entering to win a an amazing family time fun basket full of great activities valued at 100.00.

Item #10 Uptown Massage – You are entering to win a a one-hour massage for relaxation and self care valued at $65.00.

Item #11 The Hair Studio – You are entering to win a plethora of products for the best hair ever valued at $160.00.

Item #12 Tractor Supply – You are entering to win a charcoal grill basket valued at $100.00.

Item #13 Pizza Factory – You are entering to win a one XL specialty pizza valued at $30.00.

Item #14 Main Street Lube – You are entering to win an oil change up to $100 in value.

Item #15 Golden 1 Credit Union – You are entering to win an amazing fall basket valued at $75.00.

Visit the CrimeStoppers’ Facebook page and message us to enter, or call the CrimeStoppers’ Tip Line at 1.530.502.TIPS.

Post-fire, watershed conditions will naturally receive and transport water and sediment differently than during pre-fire conditions.

The public and communities adjacent to and downstream from the wildfire areas should expect increased flooding and debris transport during less than average rain events.

The potential for increased runoff and debris flows are not just a one-year concern.

We need to recognize the threat potential of flash floods and debris flows may exist for the next several years, depending on the intensity of these storms.

For life and safety concerns, burned area closures may need to be implemented prior to forecast rain events until the burned area fully recovers.

Residents and visitors should remain alert to weather events and plan ahead when travelling along roads within and downstream from the burned areas of the Dixie wildfire.

A Burned Area Emergency Response team has been working with the Lassen and Plumas National Forests, to assess the condition of the watersheds on National Forest System (NFS) land burned in the Dixie wildfire.

The BAER assessment team identifies potential emergency threats to critical BAER values, and recommends emergency stabilization response actions that are implemented on federal land to reduce potential post-fire threats.

BAER critical values that may be considered at-risk on federal lands are:

While multi-agency efforts are being taken to reduce the risks to life and safety adjacent to and downstream from the burned areas, nearby residents should develop individual plans to protect themselves and their property.

The Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service work together and coordinate with other federal, state and local agencies, and counties that assist private landowners in preparing for increased run-off and potential flooding impacts.

NRCS and local sponsors prepare damage survey reports for eligible sites on private lands adjacent to and downstream from affected areas. NRCS uses these reports, along with the Forest Service BAER team’s assessment report, to develop emergency measures to reduce the impacts from potential increased water and debris flows, and assist local sponsors to implement recommended emergency measures through its Emergency Watershed Protection Program.

All EWP Program–Recovery projects begin with a local sponsor or legal subdivision of state or tribal government. Eligible sponsors include cities, counties, towns, conservation districts, or any federally-recognized Native American tribe or tribal organization. Interested public and private landowners can apply for EWP Program–Recovery assistance through one of those sponsors.

To stimulate interest in Fore Prevention Week, which will be from October 5 through the 11th, the Susanville Volunteer Fire Department is sponsoring a children’s poster contest.

Children from kindergarten through the eighth grade will be eligible to enter the contest, and there will be first, second and third prizes awarded in four separate groups, plus a grand prize for the most original poster.

Children must submit their posters to their class teachers by 4 p.m., October 6. All posters must be drawn in color, either crayola or paint, and be on posterboard measuring at least 18 by 24 inches.

The fore department has suggested as themes for the posters, industrial fire prevention, home fire prevention, school, fire prevention, commercial fire prevention and forest fire prevention.

Judging will be on the basis of originality, general effect and art value. All posters will become the property of the Susanville Fire Department.