Home4holidaysforweb

Your premiere holiday magazine with heartwarming Christmas stories and traditions, goodies to make with little ones, holiday happenings, mouthwatering recipes and much more.

A special magazine published by Feather Publishing, Inc. for the Lassen County Times, Westwood PinePress and Chester Progressive

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Shopping locally benefits the whole community Here’s a little good economic news for Lassen County residents and business people — we can help our local community by spending our holiday dollars right here at home.

Significantly more money re-circulates in our community when purchases are made at locally owned businesses because locally owned businesses purchase from other local businesses, service providers and farms.

Purchasing locally helps grow other businesses, as well as our community’s tax base.

Most new jobs are provided by local businesses. Small local businesses are collectively the largest employer nationally.

People who live in our community, who are less likely to leave and are more invested in the community’s future, own local businesses.

Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service. Employees are likely to provide better service when they are helping someone they consider not just a customer, but a neighbor.

Shopping locally also helps reduce our

environmental impact. Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers, as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

Public benefits far outweigh public costs.

Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services.

A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

Nonprofit organizations receive an average of 350 percent greater support from local business owners than they do from non-locally owned businesses.

So whether it is getting your nails done for a special party, dinner out, presents or tanking up for a trip to visit family, there are literally hundreds of ways to support your community this holiday season. Shop locally.

Home for the Holidays 2013 A Special Magazine created by the staff of

Feather Publishing Co., Inc. Publishers of: Lassen County Times • Westwood PinePress Chester Progressive Michael C. Taborski, Publisher Kevin Mallory, Assistant to the Publisher Sam Williams, Lassen Managing Editor Robert Mahenski, Supplement Editor Susan Cort Johnson, Westwood Editor Jill Atkinson, Advertising Director Tom Forney, Production Manager Contributing Writers/Production: Sam Williams, Ruth Ellis, Susan Cort Johnson, Aura Whittaker, Jennifer Kempton, Maddie Musante, Makenzie Davis, Kate West

A Magical Country Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Calendar of Holiday Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Celebrating Advent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Christmas – History of the Holiday . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Christmas Church Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Christmas in Westwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Coppervale Ski Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Festival of Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Gift Ideas – Eco-Friendly Soy Candles . . . . . . . . .12 Gift Ideas – Electronic Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Gift Ideas – Guns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Gift Ideas – Handcrafted edibles . . . . . . . . . . .23, 32 Gift Ideas – Homemade Pet Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Holiday Craft Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Holiday Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Hospice Tree Lighting Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Hosting an Open House Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 New Year’s History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Pet-Proofing Your Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Recipe – Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Sticks . . . . .26 Recipe – Deep Fried Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Recipe – Glazed Carrots & Brussels Sprouts . . . .36 Recipe – Homemade Egg Rolls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Recipe – Jill’s Shrimp Dip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Recipe – Poppy Seed Cake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Rotary Club Christmas Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Saving Money This Holiday Season . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Shop Locally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Snowmobile Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Susanville Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular . . . . .9 Susanville Symphony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Thanksgiving History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 The Gift of Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Advertising Staff: Jill Atkinson, Laura Tew, Erika Giusti, Val Chisholm, Cheri McIntire Graphics: Cindie Tamietti, Manager, Patty Givens, Judy Armentrout

Home for the Holidays 2013

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Holiday Calendar of Events Santa’s Sleigh Days 2013, Dec. 3 through 6 Lassen County Times presents Santa’s Sleigh Days in Susanville. Free hors d’oeuvres at participating merchants on Friday, Dec. 6. Enter to win your share of $500 in shopping sprees. For more information, call 257-5321.

Crime Victims Hobby Craft Fair and Auction Lassen Family Services and the California Correctional Center present the 24th Annual Victims of Crime Hobby Craft Fair and Auction from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Lassen County Fairgrounds. The auction begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Proceeds to benefit victims of domestic violence in Lassen County. For more information, call Ashley Zanotelli at 257-5459 ext. 1252.

Holiday Craft Fair, Dec. 6 and 7 The annual Holiday Craft Fair at the Lassen County Fairgrounds will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and 10 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. For more information, call 251-8900 or visit lassencountyfair.org to download a vendor application.

Westwood celebrates Christmas in the Mountains, Dec. 6 The Westwood Chamber of Commerce presents Christmas in the Mountains from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. The evening begins with a parade at Westwood park, featuring fire truck rides, photos with Santa, activity tables for children, craft booths, vendors and food.

For more information, call 256-2456.

Festival of Lights, Dec. 6 to 24 The Lassen County Fair presents the Festival of Lights from 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 6 through Dec. 21; from 5 to 8 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 8 through Dec. 22; and from 5 to 9 p.m. Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24. Drive through the fairgrounds midway to view local light displays and holiday decorations. Also, new this year is a dis-

WHERE THE

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play of Christmas trees surrounding the fair marquee on Main Street. For more information and an application, call 251-8900 or visit lassencountyfair.org.

Annual Magical Country Christmas celebration, Dec. 7 Lassen County Chamber of Commerce presents 8th annual Magical Country Christmas celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. in Historic Uptown Susanville. The evening will feature live entertainment, food, music, Santa’s grand entry parade and fireworks. For more information, call 257-4323.

Chocolate Festival, Dec. 7 The Lassen County Arts Council will host its annual Chocolate Festival during the Uptown Christmas celebration Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. The location of the festival will be announced at a later date.

Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, Dec. 7 and 14 The Susanville City Rockettes present its fourth annual Christmas Spectacular at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 and 14 at the Veterans Memorial Hall in Susanville. The show will feature Christmas favorites, live music, Santa Claus, dancing and a live nativity.

Proceeds benefit local J and J Performing Arts dancers.

Christmas symphony concert, Dec. 13 and 15 The Susanville Symphony Society presents its annual “Christmas in Susanville” concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Susanville Assembly of God Church, 473-465 Richmond Rd. For more information and tickets, call 310-8111.

Kiwanis Parade of Lights The Susanville Kiwanis Club sponsors its annual Kiwanis Parade of Lights bus tour for senior citizens Dec. 18. Seniors may board one of the buses at the Lassen Senior Center on Sunkist Ave. Times to be announced.

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The tradition of Thanksgiving spans the globe Throughout the course of history, the provision of a bountiful harvest has been celebrated with ceremonies of thanksgiving all around the world. Prior to the establishment of formal religions, many farmers in ancient times believed their crops contained spirits, which caused their crops to grow or to die. They also believed these spirits would be released when the crops were harvested. Therefore, they had to destroy the bad spirits or they would wreak revenge upon the harvesting farmers. Some ancient thanksgiving rituals celebrated the defeat of such spirits.

The ancient Greeks, Romans, Hebrews, Chinese and Egyptians all held harvest festivals and celebrations of thanksgiving, and such feasts are also detailed and prescribed in the Old Testament.

In the U.S., the holiday is tied to giving thanks for our Creator’s gifts, which had always been a part of the Wampanoag Indians’ daily life. Native people of North America held ceremonies to give thanks for successful harvests, for the hope of a good growing season and for other good fortune such as the birth of a child. As with Native traditions in America, celebrations in England and throughout Europe after a successful crop were also common.

There are records citing a thanksgiving feast held in 1610 when members of the first permanent English settlement in Jamestown, Va. received a shipload of supplies, ending the famine of their first winter. But, the traditional story is based on the Pilgrims who set ground at Plymouth Rock on Dec. 11, 1620. Their first winter was

devastating and at the beginning of the following fall, they had lost 46 of the original 102 who sailed on the Mayflower.

In 1621, when the early settlers’ labors were rewarded with a bountiful harvest after a year of sickness and scarcity, they gave thanks to God and celebrated His bounty. They invited their new Native American friends to join them in this joyous outpouring of gratitude because, as historical records suggest, the Pilgrims would not have made it through the year without the help of the native Indians. The feast, which lasted three days, is described as more of a traditional English harvest festival than a true thanksgiving observance.

This thanksgiving feast was not repeated the following year. But in 1623, during a severe drought, the pilgrims gathered together to pray for rain. When a long, steady rain followed the very next day, Governor Bradford proclaimed another day of thanksgiving, again inviting their Indian friends. However, it wasn’t until June of 1676 that another Day of Thanksgiving was proclaimed.

Today’s national Thanksgiving celebration is a blend of two traditions: the New England custom of rejoicing after a successful harvest, based on ancient English harvest festivals; and the Puritan Thanksgiving, a solemn religious observance combining prayer and feasting, according to Plimoth.org.

There is still some confusion, however, about where the first official Thanksgiving was held. Florida, Texas, Maine and Virginia each declare itself the site of the first feast and historical documents support various claims. And, Spanish explorers and other English colonists celebrated religious services of thanksgiving years before the Mayflower arrived. However, few people knew about these events until the 20th century, as they were isolated celebrations.

Despite disagreements over various details, the three-day event in Plymouth in the fall of 1621 is commonly considered the historical birth of the American Thanksgiving holiday.

Sources: plimoth.org, novareinna.com, suite101.com

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Host an easy open house party this season Hosting an open house party is a low-stress option for holiday entertaining. Guests don’t have to stress about arriving at a specific time, and you don’t have to worry about planning a sit-down dinner. Open house parties usually lead to greater attendance and allow you to spend more time with each guest.

Be sure to send invites (or call) and set specific beginning and ending times so guests know your time frame. The idea is for people to come and go on their own schedule, because everyone is usually busy during the holidays. An open house also helps spread out the guest list over several hours and avoid overcrowding.

A buffet table is the best way to go for an open house party. Keep it simple to highlight the food but add bold touches to draw attention to the table. Decide on a color scheme, and then add texture and shiny accents for pizzazz. You don’t have to stick with traditional colors. Try purple or turquoise for a unique holiday flair.

When setting up your buffet, vary heights of serving dishes and decorations. Set small boxes or other sturdy objects under the tablecloth to create height for flat trays.

Or, find unique serving dishes at your local thrift stores. Remember everything does not have to match! Mixing patterns and colors just adds to the cozy house party feel.

Set the mood with candles, low lights and soft music. Dim lighting creates a warm embrace and makes everyone’s skin look flawless. Choice of music can greatly affect the mood of the party, so stick to light, happy tunes. Always use no-drip taper candles, or invest in flameless candles for extra safety.

Consider fresh and natural decorations for accents on the table and around the room. Collect pinecones, acorns and fall leaves to scatter about. Set out several vases of fresh flowers to really make guests feel welcome.

Plan to serve bite-sized foods at room temperature that can be easily eaten while standing. Simple, non-messy foods are best so guests don’t spill on themselves or your carpet. Small bites also eliminate the need for utensils and maybe even plates, which means less trash and clean up as well.

Instead of offering a large assortment of drinks, stick to just a few. Beer, wine and soda always go over well. Or consider a signature drink, like a martini. If children will be attending, offer one or two non-alcoholic choices as well. If you want to serve mixed drinks, make a pitcher-full ahead of time so you’re not stuck behind the bar

Giant themed trees

Keep your open house party simple by limiting the drinks to just a few choices — a special cocktail, one kind of beer and a non-alcoholic beverage. File photo all night.

Speaking of children, if you plan to have more than a few attending the party, hire a babysitter and set up a play area. Your guests will appreciate not having to tend to their little ones every few minutes. Convert a bedroom into a fun space with games, books, crafts and a DVD player. You might even want to consider serving a childfriendly menu as well.

Lastly, make cleaning up after the party easier by setting out trash bins for guests to discard their own. Also, cover tables with tablecloths so you can just throw them in the washing machine (or use plastic). Use dishwasher-safe serving dishes and utensils so you can run the machine before you turn in for the night. Get a good night’s sleep and save any heavy cleaning for the next day.

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Artistic Director and Conductor Ben Wade leads the symphony in a classic Christmas song. File photos

Susanville Symphony sweetens the spirit of the season

Local singer Debra Sokol sings a sweet ballad during the Susanville Symphony’s annual Christmas program.

The Susanville Symphony will once again breathe life into Lassen County with its annual Christmas Concert. Two concerts, featuring local musicians and singers, will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Assembly of God Church on Richmond Road in Susanville.

“This is such a great concert for everyone,” said conductor Ben Wade. “Who doesn’t love to go to the show for the holidays? It’s an American tradition really ... dreaming of a white Christmas ... Santa Claus and the wonder and thrill it all holds for children ... sometimes dreaming of being a kid again.

“And of course there is the music that brings it all to life. You do not think of Christmas without singing in your head (or out loud) carols and popular songs that personify the season.’

The holiday concert will feature many of the very recognizable songs along with current popular holiday hits. There will also be classical Christmas music for those who love pure symphony music.

This year’s play list will include movements from The Nutcracker by Peter Tchaikovsky, a beautiful Mannheim

Steamroller arrangement of Auld Lang Sine for string orchestra and “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” with local vocalist Jon France.

For the children (and adults) in the crowd, the symphony will perform “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A

Charlie Brown Christmas.” There will be many more surprises, maybe even a little rock and roll.

Tickets are available at Leslie’s Jewelry on Main Street. Stop by the store or call 257-2920, or visit susanvillesymphony.com.

Let Santa help you save money on your holiday shopping during

SANTA’S SLEIGH DAYS DECEMBER 3 - 6, 2013 See page 4 for a listing of other holiday events happening in our community this season.

8

Home for the Holidays 2013

The Susanville City Rockettes will be showing off their high kicks and holiday spirit during the annual Christmas Spectacular scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Veterans Memorial Hall. File photo

Rockettes help kick off the Christmas season The Susanville City Rockettes will be lighting up the stage with holiday cheer during its Christmas Spectacular.

This marks the show’s fourth year and will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 14 at the

Veterans Memorial Hall.

People of all ages should find something they enjoy such as favorite Christmas hits, live music, dancing, Santa Claus and a live nativity scene complete with live animals.

Santa S anta iss coming Susanville! to S usa anville!

Community Food Drive • Dec. 13 • 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Bring your non-perishable food f items to Banner Lassen ’s Lassen/Shasta Lassen/S Shasta Room. Donated food Medical Center Center’s will go to Food-4-Families to o assist in making holiday food baskets for senior citizens and an nd families in need throughout County. Santa and his elves are very excited to Lassen County. see everyone this year. year. Enjoy Enjo oy cookies, cider, cider, and cocoa.

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Home for the Holidays 2013

9

Pet-proofing your home for the holidays Humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy the festivities of the holiday season. Chocolate delicacies, sweet and festive cocktails, the warm glow of a brightly decorated tree and the glimmer of ribbon tied neatly around presents is enticing and exciting for everyone in your home, including your pets.

Unfortunately, many of our favorite things about the holidays can actually be harmful to our furry friends. Tinsel, shining and dangling from the tree, is extremely alluring to pets, especially cats that like to play with it. However, if eaten, tinsel is almost guaranteed to get stuck in animals’ intestines, causing twisting and tangling that usually requires surgery to remove and can often be fatal. Dogs will not hesitate to devour chocolaty treats left within their reach, not to mention all those glass and plastic things hanging from the tree in the living room. Cats and dogs can’t tell the difference between the trees outside that they enjoy climbing and lifting their legs on and the one you just brought into the house.

It’s clear that pet parents must take precautions and make a plan for pets during the holiday season. Otherwise, a time of year that is normally overflowing with happiness and love could turn into a disaster for both you and your pet in the blink of an eye.

Luckily, there are many simple things you can do to keep your pets safe while also protecting your Christmas tree, presents, decorations and food during the holiday season.

Linda Bailey, groomer at Treats Natural Pet Marketplace, in Susanville, and veterinary technician since 1976, knows all too well about the trouble pets can get into during the holidays and, luckily, has lots of tips for pet owners on how to avoid danger and destruction this holiday season.

One of her biggest pieces of advice for pet owners is to provide your pet, especially dogs, with basic training.

“It helps if they know (the commands) ‘leave it’ or ‘drop it’ … the dogs really need basic training. It helps with your tree, and it’s not good for them not to have manners,” Bailey said.

When trimming your Christmas tree, keep your pets in mind when placing ornaments and Christmas lights.

“Glass bulbs, if you put them on, just make sure they’re up high because a lot of dogs think it’s a ball, especially if they’re used to playing with a tennis ball,” Bailey said.

Pets have also been known to chew through electrical wires, which makes Christmas lights quite a hazard. Bailey suggests putting the tail end of Christmas lights through a cardboard paper towel or wrapping paper tube. If pets can’t see the electrical cord running from the tree to the wall outlet, they’ll most likely leave it alone.

It’s commonly known that chocolate is poisonous to dogs, but according to Bailey, pet owners should particularly be careful with unsweetened baker’s chocolate, which has the highest concentration of theobromine, the alkaloid of the cacao plant that is poisonous to dogs. The holidays are a popular time for baking, so take extra precautions to keep chocolate away from your dog.

“Theobromine affects the brain and the heart. The baker’s unsweetened chocolate is the one you don’t want to them to get a-hold of,” Bailey said.

“They’ll be vomiting and they’ll be dizzy … it can be fatal.”

10

Christmas trees, ornaments and holiday decorations can be very enticing to pets who may knock them over, break them or even eat them. There are several steps pet owners can take to keep pets away from holiday décor.

If your dog does ingest chocolate and begins showing these symptoms, Bailey says you should induce vomiting, which will help rid the chocolate from their system, and contact your veterinarian.

While electrical cords, glass ornaments, and poisonous food might be obvious things to keep away from your pets, there also may be some unapparent dangers hiding in your home during the holidays. Many additives used to prolong the life of a Christmas tree contain ingredients that will make pets sick, so it’s important to keep your furry friends away from the bottom of the tree if you use such additives.

Bailey suggests crinkling up aluminum foil and placing it under the tree to keep pets away. Cats, especially, hate the feeling of walking on aluminum foil.

Poinsettia plants and mistletoe are both harmful to animals.

“Poinsettias irritate the mouth, the mucus membranes, cause excess salivation and vomiting … mistletoe is actually poisonous. They can die within hours of eating any part of the mistletoe, so we want to make sure that’s not down where they can get it,” Bailey said.

There are several sprays available on the market which, when sprayed on something, will deter pets from chewing it. These products can be purchased at your local pet store and are an easy, effective way to keep your pets

away from the Christmas tree, decorations and other offlimits holiday items.

There are also some preventative measures pet owners can take in the event their dog or cat does get into the tree or presents. Bailey says she always ties her Christmas tree to an eyehook in the ceiling to keep it secure, in case one of her pets does attempt to knock it over.

“I always also put fake presents under the tree. I just wrap empty boxes because that way … they put it under there and if the dog does get it and chew it up, there’s nothing in there; it’s just an empty box. And then it always looks nice because there are lots of presents under the tree,” Bailey said.

When pet owners think ahead and take a few simple measures to pet-proof their homes for the holidays, it ensures the season will be fun and enjoyable for everyone in the family, including pets. No one wants to come home to a toppled Christmas tree, broken ornaments, devoured food or a sick pet. Keeping your pets safe doesn’t require a lot of extra effort and can make the difference between a happy holiday and a disastrous one.

For more tips on how to pet-proof your home and keep your pets safe during the holiday season, call your veterinarian or visit your local pet store.

Home for the Holidays 2013

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Home for the Holidays 2013

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Christmas comes from many traditions Although Christmas is most formally associated with the birth of Jesus Christ, many of the customs and traditions associated with the holiday were part of pagan celebrations that were modified to be worthy of the

Christian church.

The traditions that existed prior to the religious celebration of the birth of God’s only son were often associated with Roman and Europeans festivals honoring the end of harvest season and the winter solstice, according to history.com.

Additionally, because the cattle were usually slaughtered around this time, and the alcohol made throughout the year was beginning to ferment, the people had access to surplus meat and drink.

In the fourth century the Catholic Church decided to move the celebration of Jesus’ birth to Dec. 25, although there are beliefs that the date does not correlate with the actual birth date.

However, according to history.com, American households did not embrace Christmas customs until the 19th century because early settler Protestants viewed the holiday as full with pagan rituals. Christmas was declared a National American holiday on June 26, 1870.

However, since its adoption into homes all over the world, the season has a few key traditions that have stood the test of time despite a few modifications.

First off, the Christmas tree was

always revered by many for its ability to stay green during the winter, but Germany is credited for first bringing the trees into homes and decorating them. However, when Queen Victoria and her family were sketched surrounding a Christmas tree in the Illustrated London News in 1846, the popularity of the festive adornment became increasingly popular in Britain and in the Eastern United States.

Next, Santa Claus differs in many cultures, but all stem from the monk, St. Nicholas, who was born sometime around 280 A.D. near modern day Turkey. It was believed St. Nicholas gave away all of his money and traveled to help the sick and poor. According to history.com, one myth with which he is widely associated is the story of three sisters who could not afford their dowry to be married. Saving them from a life of potential poverty, he secretly supplied them with the sufficient funds required to marry.

St. Nicholas became widely popular in Holland, and Dutch immigrants brought their stories of their beloved Sinter Klaas to America. Since then, he grew into the bearded, jolly, red-cloaked figure known today.

So while the Christmas holiday has a wealth of traditions from which it stems, all traditions, from the birth of Jesus to pagan holidays and cultural customs, all collaborate to form our modern day Christmas.

Eco-friendly soy candles make great gifts Candles create ambiance and can make a home smell wonderful and welcoming.

Clover Creek Candle Co., made by local resident Trish Werner, can make a nice gift or stocking stuffer for someone this Christmas.

Werner creates a variety of candles using scents from aromatherapy to the comforting smell of something sweet baking in the oven.

The candles are also eco-friendly and safe for the children.

Werner explained they are made from soy wax, which is non-toxic and does not produce a lot of smoke.

They also burn at a lower temperature which means if a child happens to touch the wax it’s not going to burn them, which is something that inspired Werner, a mother of four, to start making her own candles.

Soy wax is also easy to clean-up and washes right out of clothes or tablecloths.

When she first started making candles, Werner said she gave them as gifts to friends and family but then people started asking for them and then she started selling them at local craft fairs.

Werner makes her products in traditional style candle containers and tins, but uses seasonal and decorative pieces, too.

When the wax is gone and the candle un-useable, Werner said people can bring them back to her and she 12

Trish Werner, who started Clover Creek Candle Co., offers eco-friendly, child-safe products in a variety of scents and containers. Photo submitted can make a new candle, or they can reuse the container for something else.

Werner also provides tarts that can be placed in appropriate holders for melting and permeating a house with a

lovely scent, without burning a candle.

People can find Clover Creek Candles at Margie’s Book Nook and Artisan Coffee in Janesville.

Home for the Holidays 2013

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A Magical Country Christmas During the first Saturday in December, many community members can be found at A Magical Country Christmas helping kick off the holiday season in Lassen County.

This free community event includes live music, dance performances and Santa’s Grand Entry parade featuring local businesses and organizations. The culmination is the Christmas tree lighting, featuring a new display this year complete with Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and a sleigh.

The upcoming event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 in Uptown Susanville.

Uptown businesses will also stay open later allowing people to browse and take care of Christmas shopping.

For more information, call the Lassen County Chamber of Commerce at 257-4323.

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Home for the Holidays 2013

Lassen County Fair’s Festival of Lights

Christmas lights, whether white and glittering or colorful and fun, add a magical touch to the holiday season.

Each year, people take advantage of viewing the Lassen County Fair’s Festival of Lights.

Community organizations participate by setting up a light display, some vary from the Nativity to a spectacu-

The Lassen County Fair’s Festival of Lights begins the weekend of Dec. 7 and runs Fridays through Saturdays until Christmas Eve. File Photo

lar light show set to music.

The festival of Lights is set up along the midway and people can drive through and enjoy the displays without having to leave the warmth of their vehicle.

The event begins Friday, Dec. 6 and will be held every weekend until Christmas Eve. Viewing times are 5

to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5 to 8 p.m.

Sundays.

People will have one last chance to see the show from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. So add the Festival of Lights to your holiday calendar and make it part of your Christmas tradition.

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Home for the Holidays 2013

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Christmas traditions evolve with the times in Westwood Christmas traditions — most countries, towns and families have them. Westwood is no exception.

For decades the Westwood Chamber of Commerce has hosted an event in early December to usher in the holiday season that includes an opportunity for children to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. They can whisper their Christmas wish list in Santa’s ear; get a picture taken as a memento; and sip a cup of hot chocolate. Those who once sat on Santa’s lap now bring their children.

However, different memories are being made. When the tree in front of the Westwood Community Center grew too big to string lights, the tree-lighting ceremony was abandoned and replaced with a light parade that travels from Westwood Park on Greenwood Street along Third Street and circles through the downtown area.

The event was named “Christmas in the Mountains” a few years ago, and this season it is scheduled with the parade starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Santa and Mrs.

Parade floats strung with lights launch Christmas in the Mountains festivities in Westwood. Photos by Susan Cort Johnson

Claus are escorted to the community center in a fire truck as part of the parade. Craft and food vendors set up shop on the grounds of the community center, and a few portable fire pits are lit to keep people warm. After children see Santa, they can choose a free book from the Westwood Family Resource Center and create an ornament at a craft table hosted by the chamber.

The Chimney Fund is hosting a Christmas party at the Double G Iron Horse Saloon on Saturday night, Dec. 14.

The party begins at 9 p.m. with music, food and an array of raffle items. This nonprofit organization was founded on Christmas Eve in 1992 when several Westwood residents gathered at the old chimney on Highway 36. It is now an established charitable organization best known for the holiday dinners it distributes at Thanksgiving and Christmas to families in need.

A youth organization, Westwood High FFA, will be Christmas caroling from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday evening, Dec. 15, but not in the traditional way. Residents of Westwood and Pinetown can arrange to have someone “Christmas caroled” for a small fee per song. Customers choose from a selection of 10 songs, provide an address and pay for the carol by calling Wayne Suchorski, FFA advisor, at 256-3235 ext. 4759 or contacting one of the FFA officers that include Adriana Vega, Dora Carrera, Chanae Hackett, Brittney Chamberlain, Elaina Willis and Meghan Hennessey.

“The Westwood FFA chapter will be coming out in full force to spread Christmas cheer,” said Suchorski.

Two local churches will focus on the reason for the sea-

Santa and Mrs. Claus meet with children during Christmas in the Mountains in Westwood. son, the birth of Jesus Christ, with special programs and services.

Westwood Assembly of God, located at 624 Ash St., will perform “Hallelujah Christmas” at 6 p.m. Sunday evening, Dec. 22. The special Christmas program will feature contemporary music.

Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, Calvary Chapel Westwood will hold a candlelight service to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The celebration begins at 7 p.m. at the church, located at 315 Ash St.

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Home for the Holidays 2013

Dashing through the snow — on a snowmobile There’s no reason to stay huddled in the house this holiday season when you can get out into the fresh mountain air and experience the beauty of Lassen County on a snowmobile. With easy access to hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobiling trails, Lassen County residents can banish winter woes by racing through the snow on about 500 pounds of pure horsepower. Here are some of the snowmobile parks open for your enjoyment over the holidays: Fredonyer Snowmobile Park The Fredonyer Snowmobile Park is located 10 miles west of Susanville on Highway 36. The park has about 80 miles of groomed trails. Many trails are looped, with some connecting to Plumas National Forest trails. Boasting spectacular views as well as more technically challenging trails, these trails are some of the most visually pleasing for those adventurous enough to make the trek.

Bogard Snowmobile Park Bogard is about 22 miles northwest of Susanville on Highway 44. Also boasting about 80 miles of trails, Bogard has the meadows of Pine Creek Valley. Though they are not groomed, these meadows are generally open to snowmobiles. Lassen National Forest warns riders to watch for fence lines and to be careful of water under the snow during warmer months.

Morgan Summit Snowmobile Park Morgan Summit Snowmobile Park is located four miles east of Mineral, Calif. on Highway 36. Consisting of 77 miles of groomed trails, the Lassen National Forest Winter Recreating Guide says the Morgan Summit trail system can be accessed from Mill Creek on Highway 172 and from Mineral.

Jonesville Snowmobile Park Access to the Jonesville Snowmobile Park can be found two miles east of the Cherry Hill Campground on the Humboldt Road, also known as County Road 91422. It can be accessed from Highway 32. Jonesville features 60 miles of groomed trails, including three loops.

Swain Mountain Snowmobile Park Lassen National Forest considers the Swain Mountain Trail system the hub of the trail system for the entire forest. The park is located just off County Road A-21, about nine miles north of Westwood. The park can also be accessed just east of the Chester-Lake Almanor staging area on Highway 36. The system consists of 60 miles of beginner-level groomed trails.

At the beginning of the winter season, Swain is usually the first staging area to open with enough snow to move, as well as the last place to close facing the onset of spring. Swain links directly into the Fredonyer and Bogard snowmobile parks, which can offer roughly 200 miles of marked trailed, both groomed and not groomed.

Visitors should know some trails are close to the Caribou Wilderness and Lassen Volcanic National Park – areas that prohibit snowmobiles.

Ashpan Snowmobile Park Located off Highway 44/89, about four miles northeast of the north entrance to Lassen National Park, Ashpan has 35 miles of groomed trails. According to Lassen National Forest, the Ashpan trail system is associated with 30 miles of trails located in Latour State Forest. The trails are good for multiple skill levels, as well as spectacular mountain views.

Most of the snowmobile trails offer either restrooms or warming huts or both.

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Home for the Holidays 2013

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Coppervale Ski Area — A winter wonderland If there’s snow on the ground this holiday season, there’s one place you can’t miss visiting — Coppervale Ski Area. You’re sure to feel merry and bright as you race down the slopes in the brisk winter air with your family and friends.

Coppervale is located about 15 miles outside of Susanville on Highway 36. It is operated on a seasonal basis, as snow conditions allow, and offers the perfect ski and snowboarding experience for beginners, families and advanced skiers alike.

“This is a good way to get the kids away from the TV,” said Norm Wilson, manager of Coppervale Ski Area.

“It’s a great family thing also. You can sit here at the lodge and watch your kids do laps. It’s not like Tahoe where they can get lost two ridges over. It’s just a really good place to be. It’s a community atmosphere and that’s the way we like it.”

Coppervale brings in locals as well as numerous skiers from all over the world looking for an intimate experience. Whether you live in Lassen County and can enjoy the slopes at the ski area all winter or just want to show visiting friends and family a good time, Coppervale is the place to go to make fun memories during the holidays.

According to Wilson, the ski area keeps busy during the wait for the weather in the offseason, grooming and making sure everything is perfect for the ski area to open when the snow arrives.

Coppervale, formerly owned and operated through Lassen Community College, but now run entirely by vol-

Coppervale Ski Area is a great winter destination for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Here, Hunter Ingwerson, of Westwood, gets air as he goes off a jump at Coppervale’s terrain park. Photo by Maddie Musante unteers, features a poma lift and a rope tow to carry skiers and snowboarders up 800 vertical feet of good times.

The area also boasts a terrain park, which allows opportunities for every different skill level from beginner to expert. Coppervale also caters to families, as the size allows you to easily keep an eye on each other.

There are always lessons available for anyone who would like them, while the full-featured terrain park and half-pipe offers the more daring folks in the crowd a chance to spread their wings and fly. Ski and snowboarding lessons are offered on Saturdays and Sundays.

Beginners can start on a slight slope just to the west

of the lodge, and eventually move over to the more intermediate rope tow and finally on to the poma lift.

The poma lift was installed in 1977 and offers a oneof-a-kind experience as it hauls each snow lover to the top of the mountain where they can enjoy incredible panoramas of the Goodrich Creek Valley below.

Wilson has been running the mountain for more than 33 years. He isn’t able to predict when the ski area will open for the winter and said Coppervale opens whenever Mother Nature feels like blanketing the area with snow.

As Lassen County locals know, winter weather is unpredictable but once it comes, the snow provides the ski area with ample amounts of white powder for the enjoyment of all.

Coppervale is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the weather permits it.

Daily lift tickets are $25 and $20 for half-day passes.

Season passes are $150 for students, $175 for adults and $350 for a family. According to Wilson the family package is the best deal as the price is set regardless of the size of the family.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to have a new adventure, a family wanting to have fun with the kids, or a thrill-seeker wanting to race down the slopes and get air on some jumps, visiting Coppervale is a great way to get out of the house and get active during the holidays.

For more information or current conditions, call the ski phone at 257-9965 or visit chamberorganizer.com/chester-lakealmanor/mem_coppervale.

Come celebrate the Joy of Christmas at

Susanville Assembly of God SPECIAL EVENTS Dec. 6 - Holiday Craft Boutique 4-8pm Dec. 7 - Holiday Craft Boutique 9-3pm

Dec. 22 - A Musical Christmas 10am Dec. 24 - Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

CHURCH SERVICE SCHEDULE Sunday Morning Worship Service at 10am (Nursery and KidzAlive Services) Second and Fourth Sunday Night Live 242 Worship Service at 6pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS 5:30PM - FREE DINNER

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257-5000 • 473-465 Richmond Road • Susanville Home for the Holidays 2013

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Calvary Chapel of Susanville

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

450 Richmond Road, Susanville, (530) 257-4833, ccsusanville.com Dec. 22, 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Christmas Sunday service Dec. 24, 7 p.m. candlelight Christmas Eve service Dec. 31, 7 p.m. New Year’s Eve Prophecy Update

120 N. Union, Susanville, (530) 257-3230 Dec. 24, 2 p.m. Mass in Herlong; 5:30 p.m. Children’s Mass; 10 p.m. Midnight Mass Dec. 25, 9 a.m. Christmas Mass

Calvary Chapel Westwood

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church LCMS

313 Ash St., Westwood, (530) 256-3309 Dec. 24, 7 p.m. candlelight service to celebrate the birth of Jesus

Church of Christ 205 N. Fairfield Ave., (530) 257-5433, susanvillechurchofchrist.org Dec. 25, 7 p.m. worship song service

Church of the Nazarene

Standish Bible Church Plumas St., one block SE of A-3 & U.S. 395, Standish, (530) 254-6688, standishbiblechurch.org Dec. 24, 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service

Susanville Assembly of God

1825 Spring Ridge Rd., Susanville, (530) 257-5195, suznaz.org Dec. 22, 9:30 a.m. Sunday service

472-465 Richmond Rd., Susanville (530) 257-5000 Dec. 22, 10:00 a.m. A Musical Christmas Dec. 24, Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

Community Church

United Methodist Church

1400 Numa Rd., Susanville (530) 257-2924, cefchurch.com Dec. 22, 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Christmas Sunday service Dec. 24, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Service

70 South Lassen St., Susanville, (530) 257-5893 Dec. 7, 6 p.m. Figgy Pudding Christmas program Dec. 24, 7 p.m. Christmas Eve family service; 10 p.m.

Candlelight service

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church

Westwood Assembly of God

1155 North St., Susanville, (530) 257-6002 Dec. 24, 7 p.m. Caroling, 7:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist.

Honey Lake Valley Assembly of God 464-905 Standish-Buntingville Rd. (A-3 between Sears and Sunnyside Rd.), Janesville, (530) 253-3222, hlvaog.org Dec. 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Candlelight Communion service

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First & Ash Streets, Susanville, (530) 257-2223, stpaulssus@frontiernet.net Please call for Christmas service times.

624 Ash St., Westwood, (530) 256-3405 Dec. 22, 6 p.m. Hallelujah Christmas Sunday Service This listing includes the churches we were able to contact regarding their holiday services. There are many more churches in Susanville and Lassen County. For a complete list, go to lassennews.com or pick up a copy of the Lassen County Visitor's Guide.

Home for the Holidays 2013

Consider celebrating Advent this year My thoughts of moving to Susanville with my family in December 1989 were filled with anticipation and expectancy. After an interview at a local Susanville church, I got the job. and soon our suburban tract home in Southern California was in escrow.

Driving over a sun-drenched and snowcapped Donner Pass from Sacramento, we breathed a sigh of relief; finally our life would slow down a little. We could regain some sanity, some peace and live life at a much slower pace.

Needless to say, Lassen County has a fast lane, as every city does, and we soon found ourselves swept away on it. But for a brief moment our expectations ran high as we looked forward to our arrival in quaint little Susanville.

This time of year lends itself to the anticipation of another arrival — the holiday season and most importantly Christmas. One of the great joys of the holidays is expecting visits from family and friends. We tend to get excited, count the days, plan and prepare for those who are special to us. When we hear the car in the driveway or the knock on the door, we are eager to welcome them in.

The season of Advent is much the same. The word means “coming” or “arrival.” When related to Christmas it is specifically about the period of waiting and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ.

In the church it is celebrated on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.

If Advent is a new concept for you, don’t feel bad — many in today’s culture are unaware of it. But Advent can actually be a way for you and your family to get out

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Home for the Holidays 2013

of the fast lane for the holiday season. A way to help you rise above the frantic shopping frenzy, work parties, overly excited children, shopping mall Santa’s and worry over your gift selection; not to mention the anxiety caused by shrinking cash flow.

There are two ways to celebrate. The first is using an Advent wreath with five candles. Each Sunday a candle is lit to anticipate the coming of Christ. One week for the prophets, then the shepherds, the angels, and Mary. On Christmas Day you light the Christ candle (placed in the middle). All the while pausing to reflect, meditate and appreciate the season and its true meaning. Another way is to substitute the people for the emotions of the Christmas season; hope, peace, love, and joy.

The second way to celebrate is an Advent calendar, kids especially like these.

For the 24 days leading up to Christmas you open a little door and there is a symbol of the Christmas story. A daily reminder to help keep you focused on the reason for the season. Most stores carry some form of these.

Unfortunately, a dizzying pace through the holidays doesn’t help us appreciate the holidays, it only make us glad they’re over.

Yet there’s something about waiting and anticipation that makes the arrival much sweeter. Advent helps to put us in the right frame of mind. So slow down, take a breath, enjoy the Christmas season and celebrate the Gift given to us by our Heavenly Father.

Pastor Rick Conrad Community Church

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With the right tools, saving money may not be too difficult this holiday season In the rush to give and plan the perfect holidays, a budget is an easy thing to stray away from in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

From elaborate meals, to travel expenses and a lengthy list of family friends needing presents, one might feel inclined to reach for the credit card to put off the expenses to a later date. However, there are ways to stop the piles of debt that are too easy to accumulate during the holidays.

According to a Bankrate.com article, titled “14 ways to save money during the holidays,” there are a few tricks that can save quite a bit of money.

The Article sought the advice of “Financial Security in Troubled Times” author Ric Edelman and his belief on how people should cut costs. One of his tips was to make a list of all the people on your present list and decided how much you want to spend on them. If there are not enough funds to cover everyone on the list, the article suggests deleting some names or lowering the amount you are willing to spend on someone.

“Focus on the amount you’ll spend, not what you’ll buy,” said Edelman.

Some other tips in the article include tracking the amount you spend on your credit card the same way you would track money coming out of a checking account. Additionally, the article quoted Rachel Ashwell, the author of “The Shabby Chic Gift of

Giving,” who claimed that, ultimately, a thoughtful gift of time, words and gestures can mean more to someone as opposed to a glitzy, expensive present.

Another way to give gifts without breaking the bank is giving baked goods to friends and neighbors or offering to help babysit or walk the dog of a friend who has a busy lifestyle.

Finally, another way to save some funds during the crazy, busy winter months is to make your gifts using products from local antique stores, thrift stores and even the Dollar Store. Using a social media website like Pinterest.com, eager crafters are able to search and find a plethora of gift ideas that could potentially save money.

Ranging from jewelry holders, to cookies to homemade snow globes, a wealth of ideas are available for inexperienced and wellseasoned crafters.

Overall, sticking to a strict budget may be difficult, but can help reduce the financial strain on stressed holiday shoppers.

Community Church

Ash St./Hwy. 139 to Spring Ridge (left) to Numa Rd.

Why not celebrate this special time of year with us?

Saturday - 6:30pm • Sunday - 9:00am & 10:45am

Christmas Eve Worship Services 4:00pm & 6:00pm 22

Home for the Holidays 2013

Looking for something special to give this Christmas?

Are you looking for a gift for a Christmas party or something simple and yummy for a friend? Then look to Cozy Mountain, a cottage food operation offering handcrafted edible gifts including maple syrup, a crepe mix and cookies in a jar.

Tammy Hancock started her new venture using some of her family’s favorite recipes.

Her personal favorite is her “signature” cookie mix made with cranberries, vanilla chips, oatmeal and thick, unsweetened coconut flakes.

Products are also packaged in items people can use again.

You can find Cozy Mountain at the upcoming Lassen County Fair Holiday Craft Fair on Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7.

People can also keep up-to-date with Cozy Mountain on its Facebook page.

Flower arrangements Gourmet truffles Knick-knacks

Lassen County Fair hosts its annual Holiday Craft Fair

Jewelry Scarves Scarf charms Ornaments Purses Wallets Flip-flops • Windchimes and so much more!

Holiday craft fairs provide a perfect place for one-stop shopping, unique gifts and the opportunity to support local crafters.

The annual Holiday Craft Fair, sponsored by the Lassen County Fair, is scheduled for 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 7 at the fairgrounds.

Past craft fairs have featured knitted or crocheted items and other textiles, handcrafted wood items, baked goods and homemade candles.

CALL IN ORDERS WE DELIVER! You’ll find a multitude of gift ideas at the craft fair, such as jewelry and candles which make great gifts.

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Home for the Holidays 2013

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23

Helping the community through the gift of giving As the Christmas season begins and we set out to pick those perfect gifts for our loved ones, let us not forget the ways we can help someone in the community have a merrier holiday.

Whether you are interested in helping victims of abuse or providing a child with a gift at Christmastime, there is a program for you to help support. Below are listed some local organizations that could benefit from your generosity.

Lassen Family Services Lassen Family Services is a nonprofit organization that assists victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder and child abuse.

The agency always accepts donations, but will be holding a toy drive during the holiday season.

The nonprofit will accept gently used or new toys, which will be given to children who benefit from Lassen Family Services programs.

Other donations accepted include furniture and other household items, which are given to clients who are starting a new life. Donations can be dropped off at Lassen Family Services at 1306 Riverside Drive.

Lassen Senior Services Lassen Senior Services provides low-cost meals to the community’s senior citizens.

According to Penny Artz, Lassen Senior Services director, it costs $70 a month to feed a senior citizen.

People can donate non-perishable food items or a frozen ham or turkey provided the meat is still frozen at

the time of donation.

According to Artz, Lassen Senior Services provides a congregate meal to 30 to 50 people four days a week in Susanville; a meal is served in Doyle one day a week and 20 people are served a congregate meal in Westwood four days a week.

One hundred homebound people also receive one meal on a daily basis. For some, Artz said, that is the only meal they receive.

People can also help by donating a utility card.

Artz said there are plenty of senior citizens who need help with utilities.

In addition, jars are set up at Lassen County Federal Credit Union where people can donate money for Lassen Senior Services. People can also donate electronic waste, which will be collected for additional funding.

Salvation Army Last year the Salvation Army provided nearly 1,500 meals to local residents, distributed more than 1,000 gifts to children in the Angel Giving Tree program and gave 250 gifts to seniors during the holidays. In total, the organization spent $36,500 on Lassen County residents. This year, the Salvation Army hopes to collect at least that much in its Red Kettle collections. The nonprofit organization accepts monetary and food donations at its location next to Grocery Outlet. It will also accept new, unwrapped toys for holiday giving.

For more information, call 257-0314.

Share the gift of giving early in life.

Toys for Tots Lassen County Search and Rescue heads up the local Toys for Tots distribution each year.

People can donate new toys at collection sites set up at local businesses around the county or look for collection days.

Toys for Tots provides gifts for both young children and teenagers, a group that often needs more items.

Money donations are also welcome as it is used to fill voids in different age groups.

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Home for the Holidays 2013

Rotary Club helps children have a Merry Christmas Susanville’s Rotary Club wants to ensure every child in Susanville has a positive holiday experience.

So each year the club sponsors an invitation-only free Christmas party for local children selected by their teachers or their schools.

The evening features an all-you-can-eat pizza dinner, singing and a special visit by Santa and a few of his elves.

Every child receives a present and a photograph of them with Santa.

Children selected to participate in a free Rotary-sponsored Christmas party enjoy pizza, singing and a visit from Old St. Nick himself.

For all your Real Estate needs this holiday season

Larry Smith Broker-Owner 310-1592

Donna Smith Broker Associate 310-1593

Serving Lassen & Plumas Counties with two locations: SUSANVILLE (530) 257-2441 120 N. Fairfield Ave.

LAKE ALMANOR (530) 596-3232 313 Peninsula Dr.

www.smithpropertiesinc.net Home for the Holidays 2013

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If you’re looking for an easy, fun gift for your children to make this holiday season, consider these delicious Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Sticks Lassen County Times Advertising Consultant Laura Kay Tew invited her three nieces over to her house to demonstrate this fun recipe. Adult supervision is recommended as the sauce can be very hot.

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL PRETZEL STICKS INGREDIENTS: 1 13 OZ. BAG OF CARAMELS 2 TBSP HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM 2 TBSP WATER (ADDITIONAL WATER TO KEEP SAUCE THIN) 1 JAR HONEY ROASTED PEANUTS 1 62 OZ. BAG SEMI-SWEET MINI CHOCOLATE CHIPS 1 BAG PRETZEL RODS (LARGE) 2 TSP SHORTENING 6 OZ. ALMOND BARK

Little Miss Lassen County Alliyah Yerington crushes the honey roasted peanuts in a ziplock baggie with a rolling pin.



Place your dipping toppings on paper plates. Cut the large pretzel rods in half for shorter sticks or leave them whole for longer ones. Place wax paper or parchment paper on a baking sheet. Unwrap one bag of caramels and place in a heavy saucepan.

2012 Little Miss Lassen County Alliyah and her sisters, 2013 Little Miss Lassen County Aubrey and Amayah Yerington prepare the table with all of their ingredients.

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

Melt one bag of caramels with 2 Tbsp. of whipping cream and 2 Tbsp. of water in a heavy saucepan. Stir frequently until thoroughly melted. Place on a cutting board while dipping pretzel sticks. Dip about 2/3 of the pretzel rod into the caramel sauce. If sauce becomes too thick as it cools, return the pan to the stove to remelt and add additional water to thin as needed.

Continued on next page

Aubrey and Alliyah take turns stirring the caramels over low heat.

Home for the Holidays 2013



Roll caramel-coated pretzel rods in crushed honey roasted peanuts and semi-sweet mini chocolate chips. Place each on on the wax papered baking sheets until set.



While pretzels set. melt 6 oz. of almond bark and 2 tsp. of shortening on the stove. Stir frequently just until melted.



Dip a spoon in the almond bark and drizzle over the dipped end of the pretzels as they lay on the wax papered baking sheets. When the almond bark sets, turn the pretzels over and drizzle on the other side. Allow to set up at least 30 minutes before serving.

Amayah enjoys rolling the caramel-coated pretzel rods in the crushed peanuts and mini chocolate chips. It’s difficult trying to keep from taste-testing the ingredients.



Mmm, mmm, good! Serve these delicious treats on a festive platter or wrap them in plastic holiday gift bags and tie with ribbons. These make great gifts for teachers, coaches, friends and family. Happy holidays!

Home for the Holidays 2013

27

Your guide to electronic holiday gift giving It’s no surprise that electronics are at the top of most people’s Christmas lists.

Kids and adults alike all seem to have their eye on at least one shiny, new contraption that can make their lives easier, more efficient and, of course, cooler. Whatever your passions are, there’s an app for it and it seems there’s always a slimmer, sleeker, faster, better gadget to take the place of the dinosaur device you unwrapped during Christmas last year. Here’s a gift-buying guide to help you shop for all the techies on your list.

Tablets A tablet is a unique device that’s not quite a laptop, not quite a smart phone and not quite an e-book reader or iPod. Tablets are in a league all their own and, it seems, a lot of people need to get their hands on one to really “get it.”

There are several popular tablets on the market and each has its pros and cons, depending on your individual needs.

Here are some of the most popular tablets on the market now:

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Kindle Fire HDX • Screen size: 7 inches • Pros: It has great battery life and the HDX display provides amazingly sharp, clear images.

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• Starting price: $229 Google Nexus 7 • Screen size: 7 inches • Pros: The speakers are high quality and provide loud sound. The Nexus 7 can also charge wirelessly.

• Cons: It has short battery life compared to other tablets.

• Starting price: $229 Samsung Galaxy Tab • Screen size: 7 inches • Pros: It’s lightweight and easy to hold.

• Cons: Reviews state the construction appears cheap and the design is unappealing. Also, the display and battery life are not so good.

• Starting price: $399 iPad Air • Screen size: 9.7 inches • Pros: Weighing in at only one pound, the iPad air is extremely lightweight, sleek and has shiny, brushed metal backing.

Basically, it’s beautiful. The inclusion of an A7 chip in this new iPad also makes the operating system extremely fast.

• Cons: The price.

• Starting price: $499 Smart phones What would we do without our smart phones? It’s our camera, calendar, notepad, message center, alarm clock, iPod, weatherman, and, oh yeah, it’s a phone too.

Keep in mind when purchasing a smart phone that the starting price usually depends on whether you or the person you’re gifting the phone to is eligible for an upgrade with their carrier. Carriers will usually subsidize the price of a phone, if the line is eligible for upgrade.

Lassen Municipal Utility District (LMUD) Energy Gift Cards make gift-giving easy!

Cards are available in three denominations: $25, $50 and $100. They may be purchased with cash, money order or a credit card at the LMUD office, 65 S. Roop St. in Susanville.

Tablets come in various sizes and styles.

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•iPhone 5c Dimensions: 4.9 inches tall, 2.3 inches wide and .35 inches deep.

Available colors: White, pink, yellow, blue and green.

Pros: It’s beautifully designed, comes in a wide-variety of colors and it’s affordable.

Cons: Reviews state the camera doesn’t perform well in low light.

Starting price: $99.

Continued on next page

Home for the Holidays 2013

•iPhone 5s Dimensions: 4.8 inches tall, 2.3 inches wide and .3 inches deep.

Available colors: Gray, gold and silver.

Pros: The A7 chips makes the iPhone 5s super fast. New Touch ID technology offers greater security by using your fingerprint, rather than a pass code to unlock the phone — and let’s face it, that’s extremely cool.

Cons: The design is the same as the previous model, iPhone 5. Touch ID doesn’t have a lot of third-party support yet.

Starting price: $199.

•Samsung Galaxy S4 Active Dimensions: 5.5 inches tall, 2.8 inches wide and .36 inches deep.

Available colors: Black.

Pros: It’s called the Active because it has a durable, water-resistant case perfect for outdoorsy and active people who tend to be rough on their phones.

Cons: The battery life has gotten disappointing reviews and the display is not high quality.

Starting price: $199.

•HTC One Dimensions: 5.4 inches tall, 2.6 inches wide and .37 inches deep.

Available colors: White and black.

Pros: The camera reportedly does well in low light, the display is high quality and the design is beautiful.

Cons: Carrier apps are preinstalled into the operating system. For example, if you have AT&T, the phone will come installed with AT&T Navigator, AT&T Mobile TV, AT&T Family Map and several others.

Starting price: $200.

More electronic gift ideas Kindle The Kindle is an e-book reader. There are several different versions of the Kindle, the newest being the Paperwhite edition, which boasts a high resolution, high contrast paper white display.

It makes the perfect gift for anyone who loves reading, especially travelers. It’s sleek and slim and allows on-the-go readers to have access to thousands of books in one small, lightweight device.

The Kindle ranges from $69 to $239, depending on which version you get. It can be purchased on Amazon.com.

Nike+ FuelBand The Nike+ FuelBand makes a great gift for the active person in your life. It’s a lightweight band that goes on your wrist like a bracelet and tracks your activity. Paired with a smart phone app, the FuelBand tracks and reports how much, how often and how intensely you move. It also allows you to set daily activity goals for yourself and will send you reminders to get up and get moving.

GoPro GoPro is a small, high-definition camera that is lightweight, durable and waterproof.

GoPro cameras can be mounted to just about anything and thus have become very popular in extreme sports where they are often mounted to helmets, bikes, cars, planes, etc. This holiday season, you can give the thrill-seeking action lovers in your life the gift of making their own extreme videos for a starting price of $199.

Jambox Jawbone’s Jambox is sure to be a hit with the music lovers. It’s a portable wireless speaker that provides quality, hi-fi audio anywhere you go. It comes in three sizes: mini, big, and regular and a variety of colors. The Jambox connects to your iPod or smart phone through Bluetooth to play your favorite tunes loud and clear. It runs on a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 10 hours, so you really can blast your music wherever you are.

Home for the Holidays 2013

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Consider homemade gifts for pets and pet lovers

Give your pet-loving friends and their pets something special this holiday.

Make a toy, bake some treats or craft a gift. File photo

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Gifts for pet owners If you have a pet lover on your gift list, making their day will be easy. Here are few ideas: •Snap some candid photos of your friend and their pet(s), print them and put them in a frame or scrapbook.

•If you can only get a photo of the pet by itself, use it to make a Christmas ornament or refrigerator magnet.

•If you are especially good with yarn or fabric, make matching sweaters for a friend and their pet.

•Give books about breeds and training — they never go out of style.

A simple Internet search will overwhelm you with ideas from fancy — custom jewelry, clocks and tapestries — to frugal — mugs, chew toys and photo albums. Take the time to think about your pet lover and you’ll come up with just the right gifts.

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It is very possible to spoil your pet without spoiling your budget. Homemade pet gifts tend to be better than anything you can buy, and lots of fun to make, too. Try these simple ideas and add your own personal twist.

•Pet food: From puppy meatloaf to custom bird food, the Internet is teeming with ideas and recipes.

•Treats/snacks: Go ahead and whip up a batch of fresh-from-the-oven goodies for your little friend(s). Dogs love biscuits of all flavors and birds and bunnies would adore a nutritious fruitcake.

•Toys: Don’t run to the store to fill your buddy’s stocking. Save money by making your own with inexpensive craft supplies, fabric and yarn. For cats, you can make scratching posts, fish-shaped toys, catnip-filled pouches and other simple playthings. For dogs, try rope tug toys, squeaky chew toys or fleece pompom balls.

•Clothes: If you know how to sew, knit or crochet, try your hand at a simple outfit. Sewing a dog jacket can be easy, and there are numerous knit and crochet patterns for your furry friends. If you don’t sew, simply cut some fabric into a bandana shape for a cute accessory.

•Blankets and beds: Treat your pet to a perfectly sized bed to keep it cozy this winter. A bed can be as simple as stuffing a cute store-bought pillowcase or as involved as sewing an insulated fleece snuggle bag.

•Miscellaneous: From homemade pet soap and flea spray to personalized food placemats and bowls, if you can buy it at a store, you can probably make it better and for less.

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Giving the gift of guns Most of us are familiar with the movie “A Christmas Story” where little Ralphie spends the weeks before Christmas begging his parents, imploring Santa Claus and hoping more than anything to get a Red Ryder BB gun. He is met, however, with constant skepticism from the adults in his life who tell him a BB gun is dangerous and, famously, that he’ll shoot his eye out. By the end of the movie, Ralphie gets his gun and, in a comedic turn of events, does shoot himself in the eye, breaking his glasses and lands his family in a Chinese restaurant for Christmas dinner.

Although things didn’t turn out perfectly for Ralphie and his family, his longing to receive his first gun under the Christmas tree is something to which a lot of children and now adults can relate. Christmas is a time when many children receive their first gun and when many gun-loving adults add to their collection.

Unwrapping their first gun can be an exciting highlight of a child’s Christmas, but there are some things to consider when purchasing a gun for your child. Safety is first.

An adult should always be present and supervising a child’s shooting. Children should be taught how to handle guns safely and strict safety rules should be enforced.

Picking the right gun can also be challenging and will have a huge impact on your child’s shooting experience. One of the biggest factors to consider when purchasing a gun is size and fit. Shooting can become tiresome and disheartening when a child has to struggle with a gun that is too heavy, grips that are too big, etc.

When introducing a child to rifles, the .22 is usually a good choice. They are easy to aim, fun to shoot and ammunition is inexpensive.

If you think you’re ready to purchase your child a shotgun, make sure to pick the proper gauge to minimize recoil and give your child a positive, painless shooting experience. 20-gauge and .410 shotguns are the most popular choices for children.

The .410 has the lowest level of recoil and is the shortest and lightest, making it a great choice for child’s first shotgun. However, experts recommend allowing your child to try shooting a borrowed shotgun before committing to purchasing one. Due to the recoil and the fact that accuracy is all based on motion, the experience can be a little more intimidating and difficult for children than Home for the Holidays 2013

with a .22 or BB gun.

Aside from picking out the perfect gun, you want to make sure your child’s shooting experiences are safe and positive. Keeping targets close is a good way to teach your child the basics of proper shooting, while providing them with a sense of success and accomplishment. Watch your child’s body language and attitude to see if they are getting tired. Just like adults, children will not do as well if they are exhausted or bored, and the experience could turn negative. End the shooting session on a positive note that will make them look forward to their next shooting experience.

If you have a gun-lover in your life who isn’t a child, you may be stumped about what to get them for Christmas. There a few things you can do to help yourself get them the perfect gift. First, ask them to make a wish list. They can write it down or go online and make one. Almost all outdoor stores that sell guns, ammo and shooting accessories allow customers to create searchable wish lists on their website. It’s the perfect way to make sure you’re getting them exactly what they want.

If you can’t get a wish list out of them, a gift card is another safe bet. Most stores sell gift cards, which will allow your gun enthusiasts the freedom to head to his or her favorite gun store and shop for whatever he or she wants. Local gun store Honey Lake Firearms sells gift certificates that can be used to purchase any item in the store.

If you’re completely at a loss and don’t want to give a gift card, try asking the experts. Your local gun store will most likely have some suggestions about what to get shooters, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Just make sure the person you’re giving the gift to doesn’t already have it. You can also ask their friends and family for some insight.

Perhaps your gun lover has confided in them about something they’ve had their eye on.

No matter you who are buying a gun, ammo or accessories for this holiday season, make sure safety comes first, do your research and utilize the local resources available to you. By following these steps, there is no doubt you will have a fun and exciting Christmas watching your loved one unwrap your gun-themed gift from under the tree.

For more information on gun safety, visit training.nra.org.

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Food gifts are always a welcome surprise during the holidays Handmade food gifts are especially nice, particularly when they are tasty and carefully packaged. These easyto-make recipes are a small gesture with a big sentiment.

Any one of these special treats could put a smile on some-

Edible homemade gifts such as a jar of granola are always welcome during the holidays, or any time of year. File photos

one’s face, but imagine what combining a few would do!

Fudge: From peppermint and orange to mocha and maple, try something new this year or play on a friend’s favorite flavor. Pack between layers of wax paper in a sturdy tin.

Popcorn: Make it sweet and salty or savory. Add nuts, dried fruit, candy bits or herbs and spices. Drizzle with chocolate for a sweet touch. Pack in a clear jar or container for a festive touch.

Fruitcake: These notorious cakes have come a long way. Bake little loaves filled with only the fruits and nuts your recipient loves. Be sure to seal them properly so they don’t dry out.

Cookies: Give a selection of beautifully baked and decorated cookies in a pretty tin. If you know your friend’s favorites, make sure you include a few. Try a new recipe that you can’t buy in a store.

Bark: Similar to fudge, bark can be made in any flavor combination. Try orange/cranberry/walnut in white chocolate or dark chocolate with espresso beans and almonds.

Keep cool so the chocolate doesn’t melt.

Brittle: It takes time to cook just right but brittle makes a welcome gift in any amount. Try using almonds or pecans or a combination of different nuts. Package large pieces whole and let the recipient break off pieces at their leisure.

Beverages: From hot cocoa to spirited cocktails, there is something for everyone. You can even create custom vodka flavors by adding vanilla beans or herbs. Or make a special spiced apple cider blend and give it with a holiday mug.

Bread: Quick bread is easy and, well, quick. Simply bake, cool and wrap in plastic with a fancy bow.

Or leave the loaf in the pan and tie a ribbon around them both to step it up. Be sure to label the flavor of the bread.

A tin of cookies is a Candy: You can get delicious surprise as fancy as making during the busiest your own sugared citrus season. rinds, caramels or taffy, or as simple as melting chocolate and throwing together some pecan clusters. Store them in a cool place so they don’t melt.

Trail mix: Always a favorite to use in yogurt, oatmeal or pancakes. Add toasted nuts and dried fruit, coconut flakes and maybe some sunflower seeds. It makes a great on the go snack too! Keep sealed for freshness.

Nuts: Spiced nuts are a delicious and healthy snack.

You can use store-bought ranch mix or create your own flavor to make any combination of spicy or sweet crunchy nut mix. Package them in a glass jar with a bow on top.

Marshmallows: These may take a bit more time and care, but they are worth it. Use different flavorings and coloring for a unique gift. Present them neatly organized in a tin or whimsically stacked in a treat bag.

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Home for the Holidays 2013

Hospice offers joy through ringing in holidays Each year, the volunteers of both Sierra Hospice and Honey Lake Hospice host annual tree lighting ceremonies within the communities of Susanville and Chester.

These occasions, along with special merchant events herald the official start of the holiday season in Lassen and Plumas counties.

While both organizations host their events in November, Honey Lake’s is usually the third Saturday of the month while Sierra Hospice traditionally hosts their event the Saturday that immediately follows Thanksgiving, the tree lightings are not just about Christmas.

“We have done this each year since 1986 and the ceremony is mostly about honoring the loved ones who will not be with us during the holiday season. It’s our way of remembering them. “For some it’s a new loss and it’s the first time they will be going through the holiday season without their loved one. It’s difficult to celebrate in these circumstances,” Sierra Hospice Coordinator Karron White said.

She also said that although the tree lighting does not necessarily represent Christmas, it does represent the season to be jolly.

“Our annual tree lighting ceremony offers a way to honor your memories, honor the loss and be among others who are publically acknowledging their personal loss,” she added.

Attending the ceremonies offered by these two fine organizations offers family members and guests a shared and heartwarming community experience.

The annual Chester ceremony offers a special musical performance of the song, “I Will Light a Candle,” a reading of the names of lost loved ones, bell tolling by the Lake Almanor Handbells and the lighting of the tree.

The ceremony is deeply moving from the music to the name reading to the guests lighting one candle from another.

The Honey Lake Hospice ceremony is equally as moving and is followed by an indoor reception.

Sierra Hospice and Honey Lake Hospice both offer families of Hospice patients and members of the community the opportunity to purchase a “light” in memory of a loved one.

Both organizations utilize the dove of peace as their ornament and it can be engraved with the name of your loved one. Both the doves and perpetual lights are remembrance options whether for one holiday season or forever.

These lights and ornaments are available for purchase year-round. To learn more about how you can obtain either a one-year light or perpetual light from Honey Lake Hospice, call 257-3137.

In Lake Almanor, call Sierra Hospice at 258-3412.

When calling either organization it is important to remember that Hospice volunteers are not just there for you during the holidays but throughout the year.

Your first telephone call can be the opening of a door to a variety of grief services or even the opportunity to learn how you can join in on the good works of these organizations by becoming a trained volunteer.

Chester Merchants’ Open House Friday, November 29, 5-9 p.m.

Come One ~ Come All for a festive evening of holiday shopping and fun!

Music/Caroling Light Parade • Santa Refreshments, Drawing Prizes and Discounts from participating merchants

Home for the Holidays 2013

As the holiday season winds down and your mind turns to the New Year, mark next year’s tree lighting ceremonies on your calendar and make a resolution to learn more about your local Hospice organization.

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The New Year symbolizes all things new and good. But behind the fresh start is a vast history that leads up to our current celebration.

The New Year was not always on January first, according to history.com. The early Roman Calendar was quite different from the current one, in that it had 10 months and a total of 304 days.

The later King Numa Pompilius added the months Janurarius and Februarius.

The calendar eventually fell out of sync with the sun prompting Emperor Julius Caesar to consult top astronomers and mathematicians and titled the new calendar the Julian calendar, which closely resembles our current Gregorian model.

Caesar is also credited to moving the start of the New Year to Januarius first to honor the god Janus, who was titled the god of beginnings, able to see into the past and future, according to the website. And Romans would celebrate the day by giving offerings to Janus, exchanging gifts, decorating homes and going to parties.

The day was moved around a bit in Medieval Europe, but Pope Gregory XIII reestablished the holiday on Jan. 1, 1582.

In the United States, the most popular way to celebrate the coming New Year is the ball drop in Times Square in New York City. The tradition started in 1907. When the clock strikes midnight, a huge ball will drop in front of the huge crowds in attendance.

Some traditions associated with the New Year are making New Year resolutions, kissing someone at midnight, eating black-eyed peas for good luck and singing Auld Lang Syne.

No matter in what traditions you partake, have a safe and fun New Year’s.

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Home for the Holidays 2013

Homeowners light

If Christmas displays and lights are any indication, Lassen County’s rural, country nature leads to dazzling holiday displays, especially out on Richmond Road near Richmond School.

Two or three weeks before Christmas, many area residents begin decorating their homes, stringing colorful lights and creating festive holiday displays with both religious and secular themes.

John Wilczynski’s Christmas light extravaganza (see inset picture) outside his Richmond

up the night

Road home (just past the school) is a must see during the holidays. Planning for Wilczynski’s light extravaganza frequently begins during the summer months, and he spends nearly a month working eight hours per day to put up his creation that features elaborate displays and tens of thousands of lights.

Believe it or not, viewers come from Plumas County and some from as far away as Reno and Sacramento just to admire Wilczynski’s holiday display.

With the warmest of wishes to all our customers, associates and friends during this magical time of year.

We appreciate your loyal support and look forward to doing business again with you in the future.

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Home for the Holidays 2013

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GLAZED CARROTS & BRUSSELS SPROUTS Ingredients: 1-2/3 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed 1 lb carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 Tbsp butter 2 Tbsp chopped onion 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed beef consommé 1/3 cup apple juice 2 Tbsp corn starch 2 tsp lemon juice 1 Tbsp brown sugar 2 pinches ground cloves

Glazed carrots and Brussels sprouts Fill large pot 3/4 full of water and bring to a rolling boil. Add Brussels sprouts and carrots, bring back to a boil, and cook vegetables until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.

Drain.

Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir onion in the melted butter until tender, about 5 minutes. Add beef consommé, apple juice, corn starch, lemon juice, brown sugar and cloves. Cook, stirring often, until sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes. Fold Brussels sprouts and carrots into sauce.

Makes about 8 servings.

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Break with tradition: Serve your guests these delicious, homemade egg rolls In a wok or a large skillet, cook the sausage and break it up into small pieces. Once the sausage is cooked, add the onion, carrots, cabbage and bean sprouts and cook until vegetables are tender.

Place the mixture in a colander and allow it to completely drain or the egg rolls will be soggy. Once the mixture has adequately drained, fill a wok or a fryer with oil and let it start getting hot.

Meanwhile, fill the won ton wrappers with the mixture and roll from corner to corner.

Place a small spoonful of mixture in one corner. Fold twice before folding in the sides. Complete the roll by using a dot of water to seal the end and ensuring the egg roll stays shut during the cooking process.

Once the oil is hot, start cooking the egg rolls, three to four at a time,

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EGG ROLLS Ingredients: •Half a head of thinly shredded cabbage •Two to three medium carrots (shredded) •One onion thinly chopped •One pound bean sprouts •One pound sausage (if you can, use hot for more flavor) •Two packages of large wonton wrappers

depending on the size of the wok or fryer.

Keep cooked egg rolls warm in the oven until ready to be served.

Serve with a favorite dipping sauce.

From the big timber of the Sierra Nevadas to the valleys of the Great Basin, this is Lassen County.

It doesn’t get any better than this.

(530) 827-2542 434-830 Doyle Loop, Doyle, CA Home for the Holidays 2013

Poppy seed cake Mix all ingredients in large bowl.

Grease & flour bundt pan.

Pour batter in bundt pan.

Bake at 350’ for 45 minutes.

Allow cake to cool, then transfer to plate.

Dust top with powdered sugar.

POPPY SEED CAKE Ingredients: 1 yellow cake mix 1 large box instant vanilla pudding ½ cup brandy ½ cup water ½ cup vegetable oil 4 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 1.25 oz. can poppy seeds

Janz Fitness

Ceramic Heater Fan

Queen Size Air Bed • 18”H x 60”W x 74”L. • Inflates in 4 minutes.

• Includes electric air pump.

(8294332)

• 3 settings: 1,000 watt, 1,500 watt and fan only option.

(6237648)

Sonshine Flowers

212 Main St., Chester • 530.258.4543 • www.flowerarrangementschester.com Emson®

Big Boss Stick Blender

Garbage Service Holiday Schedule Reminder As a reminder, there will be no curbside garbage, recycling or green waste collection on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 28th), Christmas Day (Wednesday, Dec. 25th) or New Year’s Day (Wednesday, Jan. 1st).

• Stainless steel blade.

• Dishwasher safe.

• 200 watt 2 speed.

• Includes 3 cup max/measuring cup.

• Assorted colors.

Emson®

Big Boss Juicer • Stainless steel finish.

• Dishwasher safe.

• 700 watt multi-speed.

• Wide mouth opening.

For the Thanksgiving Holiday, all Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday customers will receive collection on their normal service day. Customers who are serviced on Thursday and Friday will be pushed forward one day (if your normal service day is Thursday, your trash will be picked up on Friday; if your normal service day is Friday, your trash will be picked up on Saturday).

Normal collection schedules will resume the following week.

For the Christmas and New Year Holiday, all customers who are normally serviced on Monday and Tuesday will remain the same. Customers with a service day of Wednesday, Thursday or Friday will be pushed forward one day (all Tuesday customers will receive collection on Wednesday, all Wednesday customers on Thursday and so on for the rest of the week). Normal collection schedules will resume the following week.

Also, we will pick up Christmas trees for residential customers from Jan. 6th to Jan. 10th. Please place your un-flocked Christmas tree curbside, next to your trash cart on your service day. We would also like to remind customers that when the snow flies to please place your carts over the snow burms so that our drivers can get to them. Happy Holidays to all.

C&S Waste Solutions Home for the Holidays 2013

J & J Seasonal

12” Battery Operated LED Hanging Basket • LED Warm White lights with timer.

• Assorted styles.

• Batteries not included.

(9265943, 9265307)

J & J Seasonal

Pre-lit Brookhaven • Clear or Multi-color lights.

• Decorated with red mini ornaments and mini pine cones.

(9265208, 9265216, 9265224, 9265232)

2950 Main St. Susanville 257-4117

Store Hours: Mon-Sat 8 am-6 pm Sunday 9 am-5 pm Sale Limited to Stock on Hand 37

Try a Southern-style deep fried turkey this holiday season For most of us born, bred and raised in the western United States and especially Northeastern California, Thanksgiving and Christmas turkeys come just one way — roasted and packed with lots of yummy stuffing.

While roasting remains the most popular way to cook the traditional holiday bird in the United States, the second most popular preparation method is — believe it or not — deep-frying.

Americans living in the southern states (with their love of fried foods) generally get the credit for coming up with the idea of frying a holiday turkey in a vat of oil.

Turkeys fried in oil cook much faster than ones roasted in the oven or turned on a rotisserie grill — only three to four minutes per pound. It’s more difficult to deep-fry a bird larger than 15 pounds because the skin can overcook. Of course, a large bird could be cut into smaller sections to be fried separately.

Safety first There are some safety concerns when deep-frying a turkey. Generally turkeys should be deep-fried out of doors. Keep the process, which frequently involves a propane burner with open flame, a way from combustible materials such as decking and vegetation. Also remember the process requires several gallons of hot oil, so extra care needs to be taken. Let the oil cool before attempting to move or drain the container.

Make sure you put the burner on a flat surface, and keep the propane tank as far away as possible.

Preparing the bird If your family enjoys a special rub used for poultry, you finally have a place to use it! Some cooks use a simple rub of cayenne pepper. Start at the top, go around the legs and continue until the whole bird has been well rubbed. Many seasoning recipes are available on the Internet, and the turkey can also be injected with your family’s favorite marinade. Make sure to get some rub under the skin if you intend on discarding it once the bird is cooked.

PLUMBING, HEATING AND SOLAR Residential • Commercial • Remodel 38

Getting ready to cook Make sure you remove the neck and giblets and the pop-up timer placed in many turkeys. Put the bird into the frying pot, and then add water to just cover the turkey. Pull the turkey out of the pot and mark the level.

After you completely dry the inside of the pot (and the turkey, too), you know how much oil you will need to deep-fry the turkey. Don’t forget to dry the turkey and the pot completely before putting it into the hot oil.

Never put a frozen or partially frozen turkey in hot oil.

Let’s deep fry!

Make sure you follow the directions that came with your fryer. Fill the pot to the line you made when you measured how much oil you would need. Using a thermometer (if your fryer does not have one), heat the oil to 350 degrees. A protective jacket and gloves are a good idea in case the hot oil splashes. Turn the burner off when you lower the turkey into the oil because most accidents occur when the oil splashes out on the burner.

Fry the turkey, three to four minutes per pound. Watch the oil temperature, and if the oil starts to smoke, it’s too hot. Once the turkey begins to float on top of the oil, cook for another 15 minutes. Remove the turkey, and check the internal temperature — 170 degrees in the breast and 180 in the thigh. Let the turkey sit for a few minutes, slice, serve and enjoy a Southern tradition.

Almanor Energy Plus, Inc. Sales • Installation • Service • Repair

www.almanorenergyplus.com 3732 Big Springs Rd., Lake Almanor

530.596.3128 Home for the Holidays 2013

Experience everything college life has to offer at our community campus. Here you can choose from a variety of exciting course offerings to complete your associate degree or certification, or earn credits toward your bachelor degree!

The quality education you need.

Tuition you can afford.

Respected, Experienced Faculty Beautiful Campus & Facilities 65 Degree & Certificate Programs

NEW Outreach Site!

Located on Cottage St. in Susanville: SAFETY TRAINING CENTER Home to Fire Technology, EMS, POST Also welcoming Jan. 2014: CNA & LVN programs

Child Care Center Student Leadership Competitive Athletics Housing & Cafe Student Center

SEARCH FOR CLASSES ONLINE OR CALL 530.251.8808 www.lassencollege.edu NEED HELP? CALL US! *Help Desk hours Mon-Fri 8-3:30 WebAdvisor Help Desk* ......530.310.4077 Financial Aid ........................530.251.8849 Registration..........................530.251.8808

Bookstore .............................530.251.8881 Counseling ...........................530.251.8842 Library ..................................530.251.8830

Lassen College from here, you can go anywhere

Register & Pay ONLINE Order Textbooks ONLINE

www.lassencollege.edu

Home for the Holidays 2013

Online Courses Continuing Education Career Counseling Financial Aid

478-200 Hwy. 139 • Susanville, CA 96130

39

Let Us Cater To You...

Catering Bakery Restaurant

Holiday Gatherings Weddings Memorial Services • Birthdays and more • Homemade desserts • Handmade breads • Pastries, Cream Puffs • Tiramisu • Fresh Deli Sandwiches Made with the finest ingredients

• Fresh homemade Pizza from a brick oven • Fresh pastas from the old country • Raviolis & Lasagnas made from scratch daily

www.littleitalysusanville.com

Italian Restaurant Catering • Bakery • Deli 257-9353 257-2525 2212 Main St., Susanville 950 Main St., Susanville