A farewell to a woman who brought joy to many

A dear lady, Suzette Dietel, passed away last week in Reno. Her funeral is tomorrow at St. Albert's at 11 a.m., but that's not the point of this paragraph. Instead, we'd like to marvel at the fun she brought into people's lives when she lived in Carson City.

Suzette was a member of Proscenium Players, and, as such, was probably a little goofy like the rest of us. She was the best "Dopey" ever in "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," but where she excelled was dancing. Unfortunately, her career was put back several eons when she consented to become a member of the "Capitol City Concert Ballet Association," a group composed of Suzette, Maizie and Judy Lowther, who agreed to perform "The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies" in front of a Women's Prison graduating class. Dressed in black tights, black leotards, homemade foil crowns, colorful tutus, and pastel-tinted marshmallow "sugar plums," they danced their way onstage, while emcee Dick Desmond (a KPTL disc jockey), looked on somewhat horrified ... no, DEFINITELY horrified. It was a LOVELY dance, Judy and Maizie on either end, with the petite Suzette in the middle. Can you even imagine the audience tittering with such a cultural classic on stage? How dare they?

Just then, Judy's foot got caught in Suzette's crotch, whereupon Maizie was devastated at the sight. Suzette, rather rudely, then turned M's wig from back to front, and since Judy was smugly laughing at her, M smeared J's lipstick all over her face. Needless to say, things went downhill from there. By this time, the audience, prison graduates, guards, family members, and Dick Desmond, were now crying and laughing out loud. How rude.

Unfortunately, it marked the end of the Capitol City Concert Ballet Association, but, if we know anything is true, we're sure Suzette is teaching the angels "The Sugar Plum Fairy" as we speak. She leaves behind her wonderful husband, Wally (Carolyn worked with him at the bank for three years), daughter Mugsy (aka "little" Suzette), a grandchild, and her sister, Nanette Moffett of Carson City. Our deepest sympathy goes out to all.

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Good news: Miss Carson City, Caleche Manos, has been crowned Miss Nevada. She will compete in the Miss America contest in January. Congratulations to her. Danielle Conway will turn 38 this week ... Janet Swobe, Mike Thompson and Dan Brewster are "slightly" older. Happy birthday to all. And many thanks to Ron Gross for putting in many, many hours to make the Carson Calendar Girls Web site come alive. The story was picked up by the AP, and P.K. O'Neal saw it in the CA Eureka Reporter ... yahoo; and to "Hoofbeats" for making us look good on the lawn of the Bliss Mansion (special thanks to Paul for keeping Carolyn on the horse).

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The Internet had a story about a Sheriff Judd in Florida who was reporting on a deputy who was shot eight times and killed by a man in a car he'd pulled over for a routine traffic stop. The other deputies called to the scene responded by shooting the perpetrator 68 times. Naturally, the media asked why they shot him that many times. Sheriff Judd told the reporters, "That's all the bullets we had." Seems justice WAS served that day.

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Looks like there are some "coming attractions" in Carson City ... the Galaxy theaters, the Burlington Coat Factory, a re-do of the Mall ... all good things. Now we're still waiting to hear about K-Mart, the OH and Stew's. And while we're at it, the barbecue, band, and dancing are a "happening thing" on Fridays at Mom & Pop's Barbecue. Lots of fun and an opportunity to meet good friends.

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Wolf Blitzer, on CNN, stated that the "Iraqi's haven't stepped up to the plate," in the war in Iraq. Hell, no, they didn't even ask to be in the ball game. We liken it to our old classes in PE ... either get in and play now, or get a failing grade. Your choice. Unfortunately, their alternative is death.

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Have you ever noticed that people who play practical joke on others, are sometimes the LEAST happy to have them played on themselves? No sportin' blood or sense of humor at all.

Apologies to Annie Kelley for running a joke she sent us, but having it look like she said it herself. Nonononono ... we know she would never say anything unkind. So, sorry Annie ... we apologize.

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M would like to thank Charlie Abowd and Jerry Massad for making her birthday "tasty." And to all the friends and relatives who sent her "lovely" cards and presents ... a BIG thanks to them, too.

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The BAC's Summer Stock Theater will present "Little Shop of Horrors," beginning Aug. 2 (call 8831976 for details and times); the Brewery will also be holding a "Member Appreciation Weekend" this Friday and Saturday featuring Tom May and Chris Kennedy. If you're not a member, now's the time to show up and join (883-1976); and their annual Jazz and Beer Tasting ($20 all you can drink) is coming up on Aug. 17 from 6-9 p.m. "Sylvia" is on for one more weekend in Minden at the CVIC Hall to benefit Alzheimer's and D.A.W.G. (265-7694); and the Wild Horse Children's Theater starts "The Jungle Book" and Jungle Party on Friday, July 27 at the Children's Museum (887-0438). All a lot of fun.

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The Olson Family told us about a "different" restaurant. "As a cannibal walked through the jungle, he came upon a cannibal restaurant. He sat down and looked over the menu: Broiled Missionary ... $10. Fried Explorer ... $15. Grilled Peace Corp Worker ... $20. But then he came to Half-baked Politician ... $100. 'Why such a price difference?' he asked the cook. The chef replied, 'Have you ever tried to clean one? They're so full of it, it takes all morning to clean 'em up.'"

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Just when you think you've heard it all ... we were told a local group in town (NOT a casino, golf club, hotel, or a fraternal organization) rented out one of their rooms to a Hispanic group who objected to having the American flag in the room. The manager capitulated and took it down during their party. And people wonder why the natives get restless. For shame.

Stay cool. Have a picnic in the shade. Relax. And M knows how Harry Potter ends up ... she read it in one day so the ending wouldn't be "leaked."

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. They can be reached by e-mail at carolynandmaizie@yahoo.com.