Hometown Heritage!

 


It’s a small world. I wanted to share some pictures of the gorgeous stained glass inside the Susanville United Methodist Church so I started talking to Katy Dockery, Administrative Assistant at the church for 30 years. She is entertaining and knowledgable on many subjects. Turns out Katy came here from Thorn Bay, Alaska. I happen to know Ronnie Chandler owner of Critter Keepers came from Alaska 49 years ago, maybe they know each other. I know it’s a big state but maybe. Right? Katy didn’t know Ronnie but she did know that the man who officiated her marriage in Alaska was one of Ronnie’s relatives! I called Ronnie to ask if she minded my printing that. Ronnie is always so open, she loved the idea AND told me her Granddad had built the framing on the pipe organ in the SUMC almost 40 years ago. Small town. Small world.


Back to the church. The current Susanville United Methodist Church celebrated their 100th anniversary January 1917! This was the 3rd church on this site having lost the first two to fires. The stained glass is indeed spectacular. Each window is a memorial. The church is currently connecting all the old organ pipes to a new organ. SUMC is a beautiful piece of our history!
       

Hometown Heritage!

                                 

Mrs. E.B. Couso

Sometimes things just work out perfectly.


Recently, like the last couple of years, Marshel Couso was looking for a community event to sponsor. Marshel and husband Jeremy ARE Susanvillestuff.com the “home of all things Susanville”. You see them at every community event but you might not recognize either one without a camera :) Jeremy’s family moved here when he was 1 and Marshel is as Hometown as it gets, since she’s 4th generation of now 6 generation LoCaL family! When the Couso’s found out our Easter egg hunt needed someone to HOP up and take over. Well. She couldn’t resist. Marshel has been taking her children, and now grandchildren, to this event for 28 years. It is very dear to her heart.


Match made in heaven.


So now her living room has 7000 eggs in it and 7200 pieces of candy, she’s hopping around in a bunny suit and our community couldn’t be luckier to have the Easter hunt in the Couso’s caring and capable hands. Just as Marshel expected the local organizations and businesses have rallied round to help. Soroptimists are sponsoring the prize basket that’s awarded for finding the golden egg in each age category. There is a HUGE egg stuffing party at the Couso home on March 28, so far FFA, Police Explorers, Miss Lassen County and her Court and the High School Cadets are helping stuff eggs BUT they could sure use more volunteers! Volunteers can be any age and help is needed all the way through the event. Just give Marshel a call at 249-3972


Thank you to Marshel and Jeremy for always making us Hometown Proud!

E. Clampus Vitus

From our local historian Tim Purdy~
"On August 4, 1984 some 500 members of the fraternal organization known as E Clampus Vitus descended upon Susanville. The occasion was the chartering of the Neversweat Chapter #1863 of the E Clampus Vitus and the dedication of the Pioneer, the oldest establishment in Northeastern California. The organization has been around since days of the California gold rush, and was a spoof on the more refined fraternal organizations of the day. In the 1930s it went through a revival and focused on marking historical sites and having a good time while doing so. The Neversweat Chapter was not the first for Susanville, as a lodge existed in 1868. In the early 1880s there were several lodges in Modoc County.”

         


ECV calls themselves a Historical Drinking Society or a Drinking Historical Society. They are certainly known for having a good time. Once Rick saw a man with shaving cream on his face, wearing women’s underwear, doing the breaststroke on the sidewalk! He was told this was a ‘Clamper’ initiation. Fun!
                            

I so appreciate the markers they are responsible for all up and down our beautiful state. Wherever I see one I want to stop and read the history of that spot on the highway or structure. Lassen County Courthouse, Pioneer Saloon, Grand Cafe, Viewland on 395, the Chimney in Goodrich Valley just to name a few close to home. History preserved, what a huge service to our community!


Thank you E Clampus Vitus and historian Tim Purdy, who just happens to be a member!

Rick's Hometown Proud Photography

When we expanded and remodeled the Bakery/Deli kitchen we ended up with a very long hallway to our bathrooms. This looked like a blank canvas just screaming to have some of my favorite, uber talented, photographer’s art displayed! He has such an eye for beauty it is incredibly hard to choose but hopefully by the time you read this I’ll have both sides of the hall completed. 

The plan was local beauty and events BUT what about all the sights from our National Parks? We must share those! I played a little fast and loose with ‘local’ too. I consider Highway 395 ours, all the way to Lone Pine. Sacramento Valley, well yeah, that feels like home to me. Anyway, I hope you enjoy Rick’s art as much as I do, we are indeed fortunate  to be surrounded by such majesty.

                         
Ansel Adams said “You don't take a photograph, you make it.” I have been blessed to be right there when every photograph was made and the one of Rick in Bryce Canyon National Park I even made.

                        

Lots of new additions!

Sheriff Dean Growdon

Exactly what anyone would want in a community leader. That’s what I think as I look at Lassen County Sheriff Dean Growdon’s Facebook page. Dean, wife Carol and their two sons pictured, hiking Lassen Park or competing in cycling and/or running events (at the Courage Run, Dean and his sons even took 2nd place!). Doing the Rocky pose at the finish of the Police Unity Tour. Volunteering with Rotarians to line our Main st with American Flags. Coaching JV Basketball at the High School.


One of my favorite pics was taken last December when Dean graduated with a Master of Justice Management degree from UNR, of course the family was there, looking as proud as can be. This had to be a lot of added stress, full time job, family and pursuing a Masters. Why? He said it was for personal and professional growth but also to show his kids it can be done.

I wanted to know what makes our Sheriff’s department such a stand out. I can feel the respect and concern they all have for each other. Sheriff Growdon says it’s their culture. They look at what they CAN do, not what difficulties they face. When a position needs to be filled they hire LoCaLs that care about our community, a person that will make their team better.


Sheriff Growdon is definitely part of the team. More than willing to get goofy and have fun but never give up who he is at the core.


What can we do to help? There is a lot of misinformation out there, Dean encourages you to check it out for yourself, learn what’s really happening from the Deputies, and get this, you can go on a ride along! Even cooler, I can go on a ride along!! Applications are available at the Sheriff’s Department.


We are so Hometown Proud to have Sheriff Dean Growdon! Thanks for all you and your entire department do for all of us every, single day!

Grand Opening!

50 year anniversary

In May of 1968 this market opened as Eagle Thrifty. Since then it has been, Raleys, Shop ’n Save, Susan Village Market and best of all, Susanville Supermarket! Located right in the heart of town, wisely chosen location. But let’s face it. Brick and mortar (or in this case cement block) and a name don’t make a business. Our shoppers and the dedicated staff that take ownership are the heart of our store. As a side note, Ken Loflin was hired in 1968 before the doors even opened.
     



25 year anniversary
In 1993 we came to Susanville Supermarket and have been blessed to remain. I was just talking to a friend who’s career has moved her frequently to many exciting cities, she shared that while moving was exciting she missed having a sense of community like we have here after 25 years. Isn’t that the truth. I just heard the USDA Secretary speak and express his gratitude to independent grocers for being the last step in actually getting food to the people. We are proud to be part of such an awesome task. Thankfully, Ken Loflin was still here when we arrived.
             

Grand Opening!
As I’ve said before, the old girl really needed a facelift and boy did she get one! NEW Bakery/Deli Kitchen with their own walk in freezer and walk in cooler, new oven, which is about as big as a walk in freezer, new proof box, new bathrooms, energy efficient lighting, entry ways that no longer open right to traffic, covered cart area just to name a few, AND she is beautiful! PLUS we reclaimed our name, we’re still IGA but we belong to Susanville first and really believe our market is SUPER. Oh, and Kenny? He’s still here, and many others that have served our market for decades.


Special thanks:
Hannah Satica for her support since the beginning!
Holland and Corder,

LoCaL Historian Tim Purdy for the logos, he had original ads in his collection!

All our faithful customers,
Our dedicated staff,
and our whole community!


Susanville Supermarket is Hometown Proud!

Cross Country Ski

One time Alli Burt told me she was going out to Hog Flat or McCoy, I can’t remember which, to cross country ski under a full moon. Doesn’t that just sound like the coolest thing ever! Plus going out to play in the snow helps kick those winter blues. Whether it is on skis, snowshoes, bikes (REALLY!), horseback or just my boots, this brings out the kid in me.

If you wanna know about LoCaL outdoor recreation the man to talk to is Outdoor Recreation Planner for BLM, Stan Bales, it’s right there in his title! Stan is always creating new opportunities for us in our great outdoors. He said there are some things we can do to help ensure everyone gets to enjoy our trails in the winter.

Lassen National Forest grooms a nordic track on the Bizz. I didn’t know this! Wow. You can check with them to see when the tracks will be set. Trail courtesy is so important~

• Skiing on a set track is very easy (Well, that’s what Stan said :)

• Skiers please set trails off to the side so there’s plenty of room for others.

• Non skiers please stay off set tracks, once a track is set it can last a long time with care! 

• Control your animals, scoop poop off the trail. Same as always hopefully.

• Avoid tearing up the trails when they are muddy. They will be so much more fun when snow packed.

We are fortunate to have our trails and people like Stan to look out for them. Let’s be sure and practice courtesy and share the trail for everyone to enjoy. Thanks for all you do Stan!


Now about that moonlight cross country skiing, doesn’t that just sound like the perfect winter activity! Even if there isn't a full moon but darkness can be fun too!





Photos courtesy of Stan Bales and Alli Burt.

Zellamae

You think you have all the time in the world. You think some people will always be there...or maybe you just can’t imagine not having their presence. Zellamae Miles was one of those people for me. She was greatly respected and loved by all that came in contact with her and not just because she was Granddaughter of Susan Roop Arnold, Great Granddaughter of Isaac Roop.

I read in Readers Digest once “an elder dying is like a library burning down.” When my Mother died I felt as if my personal library burned down. When Zellamae passed I felt as if our community library lost a wing.
                                        

Seeing Zellamae was always a bright spot in my day. Her friendly smile, earnest way of speaking and knowledge of our community past and present drew us in. In a recent Facebook post Linda Korver said it better than I ever could “She is the real Susan in Susanville, our community had a foundation and every block was lovingly placed and cemented by Zellamae Arnold Miles”.


Our deepest sympathy to Zellamae’s family. A community grieves with you.


I don’t know all the details but understand there will be a service on March 24th.

SpRiNg Onions

Big thanks to John for bringing in Spring Onions!

I’ve wanted to try these grilled for a long time but discover the last wind storm had busted my Weber grill. My CAST iron Weber. We get wind here. So at the last minute I decided to cook them on the cast iron griddle. They were AmaZing! Sweet with just a little heat. Plus they contain vitamin A, C and K. It’s a short season so hurry before they’re gone!

Wash, cut off roots and split lengthwise. Heat griddle or grill to medium, brush with olive oil. Salt lightly, grill face down until lightly browned. Turn and repeat.
The Green Grocerette~

Great People! Great Food!

Some dishes are timeless and we have been fortunate to have fabulous friends share fabulous recipes with us over the years. Some classic, some healthful and a couple for those days when it just feels so good to be bad. Hope and I decided to revive the original recipes. The very first day one of our customers was delighted to have Gail Miller’s Coleslaw back in the case! When she referred to it as one of our ‘signature salads” Hope and I knew that term would stick.
Here’s a little heritage on our Signature Salads~

                      

Gail Miller retired from our store some years ago but now her Coleslaw recipe is back! Shredded cabbage, pineapple and her blend of sweet and savory dressing! She was such a fast worker that when Jaime Guzman managed our Deli he called her ’Smoke’!
Every time we would have a employee potluck Nancy Madigan would bring Chicken Ramen Salad, maybe because I ALWAYS requested it :). One of my personal favorites, but so was Nancy. This woman was loved by all that knew her and will be forever missed. Her salad is crunchy, salty, just enough sweetness to balance it all. Just like a lot of my favorite people
Our Seafood Salad was created in the Meat Department and the Deli stole it fair and square. Seafood, dill, a touch of lemon to bring out the freshness and when only the best will do, we only make it with Best Foods Mayo.
Stephanie Riegert worked in our Deli for many years and came up with a wonderful Chicken Caesar that is just as delish hot as it is cold. Pasta, fresh spinach, rotisserie chicken and parm make up this classic.
Caterer Debbie Lucero gave me her recipes for Broccoli Salad and Rice a Roni Salad. Fresh chopped broccoli, cranberries, onion, and sunflower seeds, make her Broccoli Salad crisp and AMAzing! When I found out Debbie knew the recipe for the Rice a Roni Salad I was thrown back to the days of Nancy Madigan and I going to Jeffery Esparza’s uptown coffee shop, we would order it with a piece of her quiche. The rice combined with green olives and artichokes make a rich and satisfying dish.
Of course no Deli would be complete without Spinach Dip. Made here practically every day, since before I got here almost 25 years ago!
             

Thank you all for the memories, the friendship and for sharing your recipes that bring it all back to me with every taste!
Give our Signature Salads a try, we hope they can be a part of your special memories!