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The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - March 30, 2009)
Please don’t forget Shriners Helping Kids. There are 22 Shriners Hospitals that provide specialized medical care that is FREE of charge for children under 18, with orthopedic or burn problems. My step-son, we will call him Junior, was burned when he was only 18 months of age.
His mother had quickly ran into the Catholic Church in Stockton to deliver her contribution to a fund-raising pot luck dinner. His older brother and sister found a cigarette lighter in the front seat of the car. Somehow the lighter, while they were playing with it, blew up, and caught fire to the upholstery. The older children were able to escape. Junior was engulfed in fire, by the time the fire department arrived. That baby spent weeks, months and years in various hospitals. He recovered from surgury after surgury. His face and body were deformed. Still, he was able to attend school, graduate from high school, fall in love and marry a compassionate lady, and he fathered four children.
Junior spent his life walking on crutches, using wheelchairs and walkers. But he was happy to be alive. His was a full life. He grew up with a fantastic sense of humor. His wife was down-to-earth and devoted. The four children are now grown. Junior died a couple of years ago. At the time, I had no clue of how he inspired me, our community, and church. Nor did I appreciate what The Shriners did for this young man. There were there, giving support, help, and encouragement. The continuous surguries and counseling were all FREE! What a difference they made for him and those who loved him.
If you know of a child who needs help, is deformed, crippled, burned, PLEASE introduce him, her, or the parents to The Shriners Hospitals for children. They will be at Oroville Sport’s Club on 2600 Oro Dam Blvd., Oroville on Saturday, April 11. (If you go, or tell someone else to go, be sure to take birth certificate, immunization record and social security numbers.) For more information, call 1-800-237-5055.
My Junior died at the age of 37; he could have died when he was merely 18 months of age. He had a great life. He was fun to be around. His family adored him, and his story needs to be told over and over again. Please call one of the Shriner’s that are here to help our children, grandchildren and neighbors—the burn victims and children with orthopedic problems. If they are unable to help, believe me they will point you in the right direction.
If you want more personal information, call Jeff Ford of Oroville, 530-693-1866. (Or Brad Azevedo of Chico 530-879-9199 or Buzz Colbert in Paradise, 530-872-3636.)
My favorite song, when raising my children, step-children, and foster children, was one of Disney’s. “We go through life and never know, the day that fate will bring! A situation that could be embarassing. So, what do you do? ‘Say Hello and State your Name and Business!’” That was Junior’s favorite song too. Singing, dancing, music, and The Shriner’s got us through very tough times. I happen to be grateful for my experiences, and the lessons my elders, children, grandchildren, step-children and foster-children taught me over the years. How about you? Do you have a story? Please tell me.
Kathy Neal’s CREATIVE ARTS CENTRE celebrated their 20th anniversary last week (1989-2009) at Oroville’s State Theatre. It was a gala occasion that filled the theatre with proud parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles.
Kathy Neal’s grown students came from all over the state to bring honor to her. It was a fabulous reception and display of talent. Watching and hearing the young and older performers dance, sing, and replay scenes from parts they had played years earlier, brought tears to my eyes.
The Kathy Neals of this world, are the people who have helped develop the younger generation’s self-confidence and creativity. The applause and appreciation for Kathy Neal and her students, demonstrated the love our town feels for her dedication. Many of her grown students continue sharing their artistic talents by singing in local chorus groups, churches and The Birdcage Theatre.
Congratulations Kathy, your contribution to Oroville’s artistic Community has been outstanding!
By the way, the State Theatre is still being spruced up. Each day a new interior project is completed. Still, there is much more work to be done, and funds are desperately needed. Your contributions are welcome. Why not drop by The State Theater, check out the artistic displays of Artists of Rivertown, and drop a few dollars in the box.
Well, that’s all folks. I have to go find my gold hat, purse, and scarf—someone is expecting me downtown. If you have any comments or stories you want to share, let me know. Stop me in the street. I would love to hear from you. I am della bacon, The Newcomer: della@ diggernews.com
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