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Volume XVII Issue 187
Tuesday, April 29th, 2025
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The Good Stuff by Shelley Bennett
It’s the week before Teacher Appreciation Week and this teacher would like to show my thanks and appreciation to the Lassen County Office of Education.
Superintendent Patty Gunderson and her staff have planned and executed several incredible events for local teachers, students, parents, and caretakers over the last year.
| | | From starting if off strong in the Fall with an inspirational and hilarious keynote speaker at our annual Professional Development Day to the You Matter conferences held at local schools to last week’s Career Day at LHS, this groups goes above and beyond for all the stakeholders in education. | | |
All Gala photos are by awesome photographer Greg Wallace at www.gwallacephotos.com
There are two ways to a teacher’s heart: free food and free school supplies. LCOE knows this and they provide an abundance of both at their events. This year I have collected pens and pencils galore, fun sticky notes, autographed books for my classroom library, and this little gizmo that creates an electrical circuit out of your body.
Don’t ask me what the purpose of that is or how it works. I just use it as a metaphor for what you can accomplish when you work together.
Then, last Friday, they host this amazing Educator Gala to celebrate and honor Excellence in Education. It was a wonderful evening, which left everyone in attendance feeling appreciated and grateful to be an educator in Lassen County.
According to Gunderson, she wanted to do something “special” to “recognize and celebrate all of the people who work so very hard every day with our students”. Her vision for LCOE is to “support, celebrate, and help each and every employee be the best they can be.”
And that they did. Patty and her team (James Hall, Kaitlyn Midgley, Bobbie Kirkpatrick, Megan Gray, Anna Townsend, Amber Akiwo, Brie Buckler, Hannah Hutson, Courtney Hanna, and Jodi Neuenschwander knocked it out of the park.
We were treated to a delicious dinner catered by Courthouse Café and also enjoyed drinks, appetizers, and dessert. DJ Doug Cain kept the evening rolling and announced the nominees and recipients in the various categories while photographer Greg Wallace documented every moment.
Retirees: Ray Bailey, Zeane Barber, Rhonda Foreman, Shanda Hooven, Loretta Larimer, Dawn Lightsey, Maria Mankins, Dianne Parady, and Shannon Polan
Community Partners: Susanville Stuff, Lassen Family Services, and Wheels West
Workability and Transitional Partnership Program: T&A Café, Margie’s Book Nook, and Blue Ox Bistro & Chocolate
Volunteers: Sandy Ellena, Kim Michel, and Ken Oster
Classified Staff (this is the glue that holds the school together, everyone from bus drivers to para-pros, cafeteria workers to maintenance, and everything in between!): Saray Bowers, Grace Burt, Callista Carlton, Jasmine Conner, Donna Del Rio, Devin Enriquez, Sara Farris, Julie Galindo, Laureen Kinnaman, Ferne Lee, Lorena Melendrez, Lacey Moncada, Jennifer Painter, Chester Patterson, Kami Prater, Melissa Rickert, Jesse Snyder, Brandalin Taylor, Zane Teeter, Holly VanDeventer, and Marissa Zamora
Diamond View Physical Education Program: Daniel Hartrum and Johnelle Wright
Susanville School District English Learner Program: Violeta Hurd, Salome Shaw, Martha Uribe, and Yelena Vakuichik
Teachers: Lori Alexander, Liz Ammon, Adrianne Bliss-Williams, Rhonda Bonilla-Chicas, Jessica Carrillo, Julia Dias, Melanie Faiferlick, Jacob George, Eileen Heisig, Jenn Kirby, Jennifer Lepage, Sarah Loflin, Natalie Loiler, Megan Maytum, Cheryl McCormack, Tammy Mitchell, Rochelle Nakanishi, Breanne Pratt, Cory Rickert, Chris Sakellariou, Lisa Urquizu, Rachel Vincent, and Ben Wade
In addition, Gwen Corey and Krissy House were recognized as Chief Business Officials and Stephanie Preston as Administrator.
Stacy Russell was given the Countywide Impact Award and with very good reason. As the Credential Analyst, Stacy is full of important information every new teacher needs when starting out. She has been my saving grace many times over the last 29 years and I value her expertise.
There were also 42 people who were nominated for making a positive impact in their school and students’ lives. I was proud to be named among them.
I had a great time, laughing and visiting with my colleagues, reconnecting with other educators I have worked with in so many different ways, and even seeing some of my former students finding their place to shine.
Thank you again to Patty and her team! It was a great way to begin this busy wind down of the school year. I can’t wait to see what you have planned for Sober Grad!
And thanks also to Schools First Federal Credit Union for sponsoring the event. We are truly grateful.
| | 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.” | |
Rooted in Story: Elder Native Artistic Excellence to Shine at Exhibition and Art Sale
The rich artistic heritage and cultural wisdom of the Susanville Indian Rancheria will be celebrated in a special exhibition and art sale, “Rooted in Story: Elder Native Excellence on Display,” on Saturday, May 10th, from 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m.
Hosted in the Diamond Willow Room at the Diamond Mountain Casino & Hotel, this vibrant event promises an intimate glimpse into the traditions and stories preserved through the hands of local Paiute, Maidu, Pit River, and Washoe artists.
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Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with esteemed Elder artists from the region, including the celebrated Jean LaMarr, Valerie Edwards, Merv Lent, Lisa Lent, Sharon Elmore, Myra Miller and Shywaya Peck. These artists, pillars of their communities, will showcase and offer for sale their original artwork, encompassing a diverse range of mediums such as jewelry, baskets, prints and more.
Beyond the exquisite artwork on display, “Rooted in Story” offers a dynamic cultural experience. Visitors can look forward to captivating live demonstrations of traditional skills, including weaving, drum making, hand games, and grinding stone techniques. Adding another layer of depth, the Elders will share their personal stories and cultural insights through engaging storytelling sessions, offering a powerful connection to the past and present.
This event, presented by Diamond Mountain Casino & Hotel, is more than just an art exhibition; it is a vital opportunity to honor the voices and contributions of the Susanville Indian Rancheria Elders. By sharing their art, stories, and cultural practices, these artists ensure that their heritage continues to flourish and inspire future generations.
Don’t miss this chance to witness the “Elder Native Excellence on Display” and support the artistic legacy of the Susanville Indian Rancheria. The Diamond Willow Room at the Diamond Mountain Casino & Hotel, located at 900 Skyline Drive in Susanville, will be open for this special event on May 10th from 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. Come and experience the vibrant tapestry of Native culture!
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Jennifer Smith in a Diamond View provided photo
Diamond View School Announces Teacher
and Classified Staff Member of the Year
On Thursday, Diamond View School Principal Dede Heimbigner announced the school’s Teacher of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year. Here is what she had to say about both honorees:
Jennifer Smith- Teacher of the Year
We are thrilled to honor Mrs. Jennifer Smith as Diamond View Middle School’s Teacher of the Year for 2024–2025. Mrs. Smith is a powerhouse educator, a passionate math leader, and a kind-hearted presence whose impact is felt far beyond the walls of her classroom.
Mrs. Smith pours tremendous effort into everything she does. As the PLC lead for the DV Math Team, a teacher innovator for the Susanville School District Math Lesson Study, and a key member of the SSD Math Adoption Team, she has played a central role in transforming math instruction across our district. Her commitment to continuous learning is unmatched—she seeks out professional development, applies new strategies with thoughtfulness and precision, and generously shares her knowledge with colleagues.
In the classroom, Mrs. Smith is dynamic and intentional. She creates rigorous and engaging lessons that push students to become confident, critical thinkers. Her students don’t just learn math—they live it. Mrs. Smith fosters positive mathematical identities, encourages productive struggle, and builds a community where students are empowered to share their reasoning and learn from one another. Every day, she ensures that all students experience high-quality, meaningful instruction that sets them up for success in school and in life.
Mrs. Smith’s dedication extends beyond teaching. She’s a proud and involved mother of five—three in college, one in high school, and one in elementary school—and she actively participates in her church and community. Her warmth, kindness, and depth of caring are evident in every interaction. She shows up, supports others, and always finds ways to grow as an educator and human being.
Mrs. Smith is not only a brilliant math teacher—she’s a beacon of what it means to lead with heart, integrity, and excellence. We are honored to celebrate her as our 2024–2025 Teacher of the Year.
Johnelle Wright- Classified of the Year
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Johnelle Wright
We are proud to recognize Johnelle Wright as our Classified Staff of the Year for 2024–2025. Coach Wright is a cornerstone of the Diamond View community, known for her unwavering dedication, genuine kindness, and deep commitment to our students and staff.
Working alongside Mr. Hartrum, she helps lead an outstanding PE program, creating a positive and structured environment where all students feel supported and encouraged. She also teaches a CTE class and coaches volleyball—roles she embraces with enthusiasm and excellence. She is dependable, hardworking, and always willing to go the extra mile.
Coach Wright is a firm but fair presence on campus. She holds students to high expectations while showing every single one of them what it means to be DV Loved. Her patience and compassion shine through in her daily interactions. She not only greets students and staff with a warm smile, but she also builds deep, meaningful relationships that leave a lasting impact during their middle school years.
Outside of school, she is a devoted mother of two, an active supporter of youth sports, and a vibrant member of our community. She’s an avid mountain biker and hiker who inspires others with her love for the outdoors. Her involvement in her church and community further reflect her generous and spirited nature.
Coach Wright embodies the heart of Diamond View. She is professional, approachable, and always has a “can do” attitude. We are incredibly lucky to have her on our team and honored to celebrate her as this year’s Classified Staff of the Year.
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McKinley School Hosts Upcoming
Kids Heart Challenge Color Run
McKinley Elementary School is gearing up for its highly anticipated Kids Heart Challenge and Color Run on May 16th, and the entire community is invited to join the school in celebrating and supporting this event through fundraising efforts.
“This high-energy event is a favorite among McKinley students,” explains Lassen County Office of Eduction Communications Specialist Kaitlyn Midgely.
“The event promotes heart health, physical activity, teamwork, perseverance, and giving back to the community, all values we are proud to support across Lassen County schools.”
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McKinley students have already kicked off their fundraising efforts for the American Heart Association and the event which will be held at 1:45p.m. on the school’s playground.
“Their hard work and generosity will culminate in a vibrant, joyful Color Run where over 300 students will sprint, laugh, and celebrate their accomplishments, all while being showered in colorful fun! We encourage the community to help share the excitement by spreading the word and making a donation to the event.”
“Thank you for supporting our students and for helping us inspire healthy hearts and bright futures across Lassen County!”
For more information please contact Maira Velazquez at MVelazquez@susanvillesd.org.
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Annual Pet Adoption, Low-Cost Rabies and Licensing Clinic to be Held May 31st
The County of Lassen and the City of Susanville are inviting you to bring your pet to their annual Pet Adoption and Low-Cost Rabies Licensing Clinic on Saturday, May 31st, at the Lassen County Animal Shelter on Johnstonville Road.
Lassen Veterinary will be administering the rabies vaccinations which cost $12 for dogs from both the city and county.
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City licenses are $4 for altered pets, $10 for unaltered and for County licenses the cost is $5 for altered pets and $15 for unaltered.
Why does your dog need to be licensed? Animal licensing assists the police department and county animal control personnel in identifying the owner of a stray or runaway animal. A dog that is licensed and wearing their identification tags can be returned to the owner quicker and avoid being taken to the animal shelter.
Make sure when you visit the event that your dog is on a leash and cats must be in pet carriers. If you are just coming for the license you must bring a current rabies vaccination certificate.
The Clinic will be held at the shelter, 472-000 Johnstonville Road, from 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m.
For more information regarding the Low Cost Rabies and Licensing Clinic, please contact the Susanville Police Department at 1.530.257.5603, or the Lassen Animal Shelter at 1.530.257.9200.
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| | | 1880’s envelope stamped with the imprint of the Hammond & Wilson’s Line. | | |
What They Think Up North
April 29, 1882
The Susanville Advocate has an article on Hammond & Wilson’s stage line, headed ‘An outrage on the people.’ In which it complains of unfair treatment and extortionate charges.
It says in closing:
“They complain that the line does not pay; and why doesn’t it pay? Because a person will not send by express over this line if it can possibly be avoided, on account of the exorbitant rates, while if they were lower their business would increase tenfold.”
“If Wells, Fargo & Co. would establish an office here the rates would be no more from San Francisco to Susanville than from San Francisco to Reno. It is a very impudent concern. They even refused to carry the Reno Gazette to subscribers along the line, who pay annually the sum of twelve dollars for the delivery of all mail matter, and all because this paper spoke of the entrance to their hall, which is used for public gatherings, as being inadequate for exit in case of fire.”
“They have sub-contracted to carry the mails between this place and Oroville, and it is presumable that they will increase the fare on both routes. In all probability they will refuse to carry the Advocate through the mails on account of our denouncing their express line as a ‘bulldozing’ concern.”
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Through your membership you help preserve local history. You can download a membership application by clicking here.
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