The Sea Nerds, May 1986

For months we prepared, or at least Arch tried to prepare us and I didn’t listen. He told me to pack rain gear. I took one of those free windbreakers you got with your subscription to Sports Illustrated.

He told us to pack a tent and a tarp to keep the rain off our gear. We found a tarp-like wall tent with a blue and white striped roof that took hours to assemble. It looked more like the circus was in town and it also leaked like a sieve with the first drops of rain.

He told us to bring multiple pairs of socks and warm clothing. I brought my cheerleading jacket that weighed 50 pounds and smelled like a wet dog when it got wet.

But it didn’t matter, it was still one of the highlights of my time at Lassen High and really of my life. What made it so special?

Was it the walk on the James Irvine Trail where I sat in the silence for 30 minutes on a fallen redwood contemplating life and friendships at 16? Was it the sunset at Wedding Rock where I was mesmerized by the golden orb sinking into the wild waves? Was it the experience of sitting in the clear cut that felt hot and sterile compared to the lush forest just a few miles away? Or the sight and smells of a beached whale we discovered while walking along Rim Trail?

Maybe it was the tidepools where I found the tiniest starfish, just as big as the tip of my pinkie? Or the sounds of the stormy ocean that put us to sleep while we camped at Gold Bluff Beach?

It was all of those things, plus two of my best friends Becky and Nikki making us laugh over the stupidest stuff. The inside jokes we had. The way we found strengths we didn’t know existed. The way we survived a week without showers and make-up and curling irons.

Then there was the way our class came together amidst a storm that leveled tents, drenched sleeping bags and clothes, and changed the course of our trip from the drier, slightly more civilized group campground at Patrick’s Point to the rain and sandy conditions of Gold Bluff Beach.

It was the way boys like Bill Dunn and John Boyd stayed up most of the night, digging channels in the sandy ground to divert the water away from tents and reinforcing the stakes so our rain covers didn’t blow away.

It was a group of loyal parents and Mrs. Joan Archer who prepared us delicious and hearty meals of chili-mac to fill our stomachs. I wasn’t that picky of an eater, but I was like, “macaroni and cheese with chili? Ewww”. But I was cold and tired and hungry and probably still wet, and I will always remember that delicious lunch beside the campfire with Joan’s kind words and company.

People who weren’t friends, became friendly. We learned who we could lean on, who we could borrow jackets from. We knew this experience had changed us. We even gave ourselves a name: The Sea Nerds. It was almost as if Mr. Archer knew this was going to happen. Yes, we learned a little bit of biology, but we learned something greater about who we were and where we fit in this world. Who each other was and how they played a part in our lives.

It was very “big picture” stuff for a group of self-absorbed teenagers. It was life changing.

When I was student teaching in 1998, Mr. Archer gave me the opportunity to tag along on the field trip. It had been another stormy season on the coast and I saw kids help each other over fallen trees on trails and down slippery and muddy paths to the tidepools.

Mrs. Carol Glenzer added a motherly aspect to the group, freely passing out candy and advice. She organized skit nights and duct tape fashion shows and entertained us with the infamous “Finger Magic”. Her sense of fun and laughter melded well with Archer’s mission.

I became part of the staff, covering the English section of the curriculum, until Archer’s retirement in 2006. My kids grew up on the trip, Jacob celebrating his first birthday with a camp full of students singing to him with candles and cake. Landon joined us a few years later and Sof was there for our last trip as a family.

All three kids have gone on the trip as students, Landon was a TA, and now Sofia is the Junior Camp Director. I have to think that it was something they were born with. Leo is now the head of the kitchen and kids and staff come back with testimonies of the delicious meals and desserts he prepares.

I hope to have at least one last trip in my career. Maybe next year.

This morning as I dropped off Sofia and saw the busses being loaded with kids, I smiled to myself and I wished them well. And I hoped for a little rain so they can be tested and find their mettle, what they are truly made of.

Thank you Mr. Archer.

LHS Drive In Movie Night Update: ASB is hosting the Drive In Movie this Friday (5/19) at 7:30 in the LHS main parking lot. They are showing the movie Rio and admission is $3 for those 12 and under and $5 for attendees 13 and over. You are welcome to watch the film from the comfort of your car or bring your own chairs and make yourself comfortable. There will also be concessions for sale.

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.”

They are thoroughly trained in topics such as advocacy, the foster care system, the child dependency system, childhood trauma, educational needs, etc. to become a strong ally for a child who has been removed from their home due to abuse or neglect.

“These children all have their own stories and individual wants and needs,” explains CASA Case Coordinator Sareena Estes.

“The goal of the CASA is to be the voice for that child, both in and out of court.”

They help ensure that children are getting the placements and services they need, and to ensure that the decisions made on their behalf are ultimately in the best interest of the child.

“The current ‘system’ is overburdened and stretched very thin. Judges may hear multiple complicated cases per day, social workers typically have an unreasonable case load, are in constant demand, and are simply overworked. A CASA volunteer usually only has one case at a time, giving them ample time to focus on that child specifically.”

Time spent includes case research, meeting with professionals such as teachers, doctors/dentists, therapists, social workers, etc., preparing reports for the judge, and attending court hearings. The bulk of the time spent is with their CASA child.

“Going on outings and getting to know the child is one of the best parts of being a volunteer, not to mention the opportunity to be the voice for a child who is so very deserving. CASAs help provide stability, promote self-confidence, and build resiliency while advocating for the child’s best interest in court, school, and in the community.”

“Children that have gotten to the point of being detained from their home of origin have usually already been through some really hard times, but being away from what they have known their whole lives and going through the court system can be just as scary. Having an advocate by their side can make the process a little less painful and a little less intimidating.”

In some cases, the CASA is the most consistent adult in their lives during their case.

Placements, social workers, teachers, and other adults in their lives may change, but a CASA stays for the entirety of the case. Getting to be there for a child who is experiencing some of the toughest moments of their lives thus far is a true honor, regardless of how challenging it may first appear.

From 2020 to 2022, the Lassen Family Services CASA program served 180 children in the dependency system.

According to Estes, our local program currently has 21 children in need of an advocate. To become a CASA volunteer, you must be at least 21 years of age, have a clear criminal history, have a valid California Driver’s License (for at least three consecutive years), vehicles used to transport children must have insurance, and must have the ability to relate to people of different cultural backgrounds.

There is an initial training course which is 32 hours in length and can be completed online.

Once that is complete there are additional hours of training provided in person with CASA staff followed by court observation and then finally being sworn in as an Officer of the Court by the Dependency Court judge.

Twelve hours of continuing education is required per year to stay active, which is easy to attain as CASA provides ample interesting and relevant training opportunities – both in person and online.

All details aside, the biggest requirement is the desire to help a child in need. A favorite quote when asked how volunteers have the time is by Elizabeth Andrews- “volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart”.

More Ways to Help CASA

There are more ways to help – CASA hosts fundraisers, not only to raise awareness of the needs in our community and to raise funds for their programs through donations, but also so that they continue receiving funding from government and private grants. Without these events and donations, their main funding sources could be taken away leaving the community with fewer resources to combat child abuse and neglect.

One of the organization’s largest and most important fundraising events, the annual CASA Volunteer Appreciation Gala, is coming this Saturday, May 20th.

“We have had several sponsors and donors graciously give to the event, which not only helps with costs, but also provides a volunteer and their plus one a ticket to the event, gives items to our silent auction, and puts funds back into the program so that we may keep providing quality advocates to children who are so very deserving.”

“We would love to see as many people attend as possible, as community is everything,” adds Estes. “However, if you are not able to attend but would like to help, we also have a GoFundMe page specifically for the Gala. Click here to contribute online.

For additional information on becoming a volunteer or information regarding the Gala, contact Lassen Family Services CASA program staff at 1.530.257.4599.

The cost of the dinner is $40 per plate and tickets are available at Margie’s Book Nook, Zaengles Floor and Home and Lassen Family Services.

Dinner and non-alcoholic beverages will be included with admission, and there will be a cash bar. You must be twenty-one or older to purchase tickets.

Doors open at 5:30 at Lassen Senior Services, 1700 Sunkist Drive.

Erin Burnett in a photo provided by Honey Lake Hospice

Honey Lake Hospice Announces Winner of 2023 Scholarship

Honey Lake Hospice has announced that Erin Burnett will be the recipient of the Marge Dunlavy Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded annually to the, “most deserving applicant who is pursuing a degree in a health-related field with a special interest in gerontology, oncology or hospice and palliative care.”

“This year’s $1,500 award is being given to Erin Burnett who is currently attending UC Davis and working towards a bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior,” says Hospice Scholarship Chair Nancy Lounsbury.

Burnett also volunteers at Atria’s Assisted Living Facility and with the Vitalant Blood Drive.

According to Lounsbury, Burnett’s instructors and mentors commend her as being highly motivated and having a drive to help others. “Her quest for academic knowledge is insatiable.” Traits of maturity and independence have developed from having to be self-supporting as a teenager. This carried forward in her taking Advanced Placement classes and earning exemplary grades.

“As young as eleven, Erin was convinced she would become a surgeon. In junior high she had the opportunity to visit with residents at Fallbrook Senior Living Center and she states, ‘something within me clicked into place.’ Then, while being a caregiver for her grandfather who was undergoing cancer treatment, she witnessed the importance of nurses and staff to the wellbeing of the patients. Her awareness of their ability to help him maintain a positive attitude led her to feel she was truly being called into the field of nursing.”

“The desire to serve has continued to evolve and Erin would like to work alongside programs such as Doctors Without Borders and Mercy Ships. She would like to pursue a specialty in either oncology or hospice care where she feels she will be able to make the most impact.”

Honey Lake Hospice is an all-volunteer organization that has been providing services to our community since 2004. It is dedicated to offering end-of-life support with a program of flexible services providing compassionate and supportive care in the setting of the patient’s choosing.

For more information about Honey Lake Hospice and the services available call the hospice office at 530.257.3137.

The crew of Engine 621 found the fire had been extinguished by the tenant and a friend with a garden hose. Firefighters started with salvage and overhaul while Chief 600 and the Incident Commander began the investigation.

“The cause of the fire was determined to be a short circuit at a light fixture in the closet of the detached garage. The short circuit occurred during maintenance on a GFI plug in the bathroom of the main house.”

“The quick reaction of the tenant and his friend, seeing the smoke, calling 9-1-1, and extinguishing the fire stopped the severity of damage and the possible loss of the structure.”

According to Jarrett there were no firefighter or civilian injuries. The Susanville Fire Department was supported by the Susanville Police Department, the City of Susanville Natural Gas Department, CalFire and Lassen Municipal Utility District.

Susanville’s first Little League players in 1951. Thanks to Kim Erb for the cool photo!

Little Leaguers Open Drills at Susanville Park

May 16, 1951

Approximately 160 prospective Little League baseball players turned out for the organization meeting and brief practice Saturday afternoon at Memorial Ballpark.

The diamond has been donated by the Lassen Lumber and Box Co. and is now ready for play. The company erected a backstop and is moving big timbers behind it for seats.

In addition, the A.F. of L has offered the use of a room in its hall, half a block from the field, for storing equipment and to serve as a dressing room for the boys.

Each of the four sponsors has donated $200 to equip and furnish suits for the four teams in the league, and each sponsor has chosen a name for its team.

The Tigers will be sponsored by the A. F. and L. with Shine Morales acting as manager.

The Cubs will be sponsored by the Lions Club, with Alfred McFeeley as managers. The Giants will play for the Rotary Club, with Frank Maurino managing. The Yankees, sponsored by B.P.E Elks No 1487 will be managed by J. A. Pliler.