Back to the ice cream. Thrifty ice cream was originally only available at Thrifty, one of the first businesses built in the Susanville Shopping Center in the early 80s. I remember being in total awe as our new shopping center filled with brand new businesses that held everything imaginable.

There was Thrifty, of course, with its ice cream counter, photo lab, and cosmetics testers. It was always a treat to walk up and down the aisles because they were filled with everything under the sun. School supplies, holiday decorations, fishing gear. You could find it all.

One of favorite memories is of my grandpa Templeton picking up my brother and I in his Model T and taking us to Thrifty for a scoop. I think it was 25 cents at the time, 35 for a double.

Then there was Holiday Market with a Deli, I think the first of its kind in town. Beno’s had fashions for the whole family. Remember that giant pair of Levi’s on the wall? There was also a Ben Franklin, fabric store, Hallmark, a health food store with frozen yogurt, a pet store, Carl’s shoes, and Colony Kitchen. It was a wonder to see all the storefronts filled with products and services.

Through the years, those stores have gone through many remodels and re-imagined business plans. Now, you can renew your drivers license, visit my friends Danny and Kathy at Lassen Nail Spa, and search for treasures at the Goodwill. I think only Round Table remains the same.

And now the building where Rite Aid stands will be empty.

I usually see my hometown with optimism in my heart. A cozy, small town where we have everything we need. But sometimes I look at Main Street as a visitor driving through town might and the empty buildings stick out like the missing teeth from a Jack O’Lantern’s smile and it hurts.

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.”

Lassen Youth Fastpitch Softball Registration. All signups will be held at comfort inn breakfast room. Signups close February 21st. Must be 4 by January 1, 2024. Regular Signups: Dates – Feb. 1st from 5:00pm to 7:00pm & Feb. 17th from 10:00am to 12:00pm. The cost to register is $90 with $10 off for siblings. Please contact Antonia Marro at 530.260.8091 with any questions.

Northern California Cancer Advocates will be holding their 2nd Annual Crab Feed in February 2024. This event will be at the Diamond Mountain Willow Room at the Diamond Mountain Casino and Hotel. Live entertainment will be after dinner. Tickets are $60, salad, soup, and Dungeness crab. Doors open at 5:30p.m. Dinner served at 6:30p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Lassen Federal Credit Union, Lassen County Chamber of Commerce, or Any NCCA Volunteer.

Lassen County Cattlemen and Cattlewomen presents their 35th Annual Taste of Beef, Sip of Wine event Saturday, February 10th, 2024, at the Lassen County Fairgrounds, Jensen Hall. Tickets are on sale now.

The Lassen Jr. Fishing Derby, has a date for 2024. The well-loved event, attended by over 300 young anglers, triumphs each year, even when faced with inclement weather and surging rivers, often pushing back the date to later in the summer or even fall months. This installation of the Lassen Jr. Fishing Derby, hosted by the Lassen Sportsman Club, will be in its 35th running year. Coveted prizes donated by community businesses and locals are handed out to the biggest catch of the day in each age group, along with sportsmanship awards. Get your pens ready and mark those calendars, as Wade Workman with the Sportsman Club announced the much-anticipated date of the event had been set for Saturday, May 18th.

Lassen Library presents their January Craft Days and Storytimes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11:00a.m. Tuesday, January 2nd – Penguins Craft Day and Wednesday, January 3rd – Penguins Storytime. Tuesday January 9th – Hats/Mittens Craft Day and Wednesday, January 10th Hats/Mittens Storytime, Tuesday, January 16th – Soup Craft Day and Wednesday, January 17th – Soup Storytime, Tuesday, January 23rd – Polar Bears Craft Day and Wednesday, January 24th – Polar Bears Storytime, Tuesday, January 30th – Pajamas Craft Day and Wednesday, January 31st – Pajama Party Storytime.

All new for 2024. The Bizz Running Company is introducing the Bizz Johnson Express Half Marathon Relay. Bring your best running friend and run this fast half marathon course. Leg 1 starts with the Express Half Marathon and completes the first 7 miles. After going underneath Highway 36 and back up the other side, you’ll hand off to Leg 2 who will cruise the last 6.1 miles to the Finish Line at Hobo Camp. You can register for all Bizz Johnson Marathon Events on October 12-13, 2024, at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Susanville/BizzJohnson.

“This significant milestone underscores our dedication to providing high-quality education and addressing the critical demand for healthcare professionals, particularly Registered Nurses, in California.”

According to the college, approval of the Registered Nursing Program comes at a time when the need for qualified healthcare professionals, specifically Registered Nurses, is more crucial than ever.

“The state of California is facing a growing shortage of Registered Nurses, with a projected deficit of over 44,500 by 2030, according to the California Health Workforce Alliance. This shortage is not only a local concern but a statewide challenge that requires immediate attention and action.”

The new program has been strategically designed to meet the escalating demand for Registered Nurses, both locally and across the state.

“By offering comprehensive and rigorous training, we aim to produce highly skilled and compassionate professionals who will contribute significantly to the healthcare landscape in our community and beyond.”

Consider the following statistics, provided by LCC:

National Demand:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 9% increase in employment for registered nurses from 2020 to 2030, growing faster than the average for all occupations.

California’s Growing Need:

California is expected to have the highest job openings for registered nurses in the coming years, with an estimated 175,900 job openings from 2020 to 2030.

Competitive Compensation:

Registered nursing is not only a noble profession but also a financially rewarding one. The median annual wage for registered nurses in the United States was $75,330 in 2020, and California boasts some of the highest average wages for this profession.

“By launching this Registered Nursing Program, Lassen Community College is not only addressing a critical need but also providing individuals with an opportunity to embark on a fulfilling and impactful career. We invite prospective students to join us on this journey, where they will receive top-notch education, gain practical experience, and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of our community and the larger healthcare ecosystem.”

“We offer a special thank you to Lassen Community College President Camacho, her foresight and dedication to the advancement of our institution have played a pivotal role in steering Lassen Community College toward this significant achievement. With the support of her team, President Camacho’s strategic planning has provided the framework for the development and successful approval of the Registered Nursing Program.”

“Our Nursing Faculty’s exemplary efforts have been instrumental in the meticulous planning, curriculum development, and accreditation processes that have culminated in the establishment of this vital program. This achievement is a testament to the collaborative spirit that characterizes our institution, where the collective efforts of visionary leadership, dedicated faculty, and staff converge to bring about positive change.”

The ribbon cutting and open house will be held at 5:00p.m., on January 18th, in the Creative Arts building on the Lassen Community College campus and the community is invited to attend. The Chamber mixer will begin at 5:30.

To find out more about Lassen’s Health Science and Medical Technology program click here.

Highway 395 near Doyle in 1953 from an Eastman Studio postcard

Safety Plans are Advocated

January 16, 1941

The Susanville Monticola Club of which Mrs. Katherine Tompers is president, has instructed its highway committee to take action to provide greater safety for motorists on the road between Susanville and Doyle on the Reno highway.

It was pointed out that some years ago the State Federation of Women’s Clubs sponsored a movement to paint white safety lanes on every state highway. In most areas this practice is carried out.

The Susanville to Doyle highway is without the white ribbon of paint, dividing the highway, and the local club is out to see that the present hazard is removed.