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The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - June 29, 2009)
“Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.” The world is always changing. According to our President Obama, that is what is in store for our country. But, what about our town? Is change a good thing?
According to Traci Grant, owner of Evolve, the change of location to her new store on Montgomery Street and Huntoon, across from the Municipal parking lot, “The double street exposure, with increased traffic, as well as larger showroom for more inventory, has been an exciting improvement.” She says, “It is all about location, location, location, and providing the best personal service around that has made Evolve a special stop for young and older!” Traci Grant is another one of my ‘personal shoppers’. I think she is great and fun. For her, the change has not only been about expanding inventory, it has meant reaching out to new clientele, and seeing that all things are possible in Historic Downtown Oroville. Please drop-by and say “Hi, The Newcomer sent me!” Traci Grant is one of the first, young entrepreneurs that I met, when first writing The Newcomer column in The Digger Shopper & News. To know her, is to love her. To imagine that this young lady started out as a teenager working for Brown & Company. To me she is still young and vivacious.
You may or may not know that Steve Nielsen, Traci’s brother, is also a serious business person in this small community. Steve and I hit it off when I caught a glance of his ‘motto’ Can Do! It reminded me of one of the first marketing seminars I attended more than 30 years ago. “If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you won’t.” See Nielsen’s metal art work at the State Theatre and at his shop on Lincoln Blvd. Sometimes he has a booth at Saturday’s Farmer’s Market. What he does with metal is fantastic! I have green frogs, that Steve autographed, climbing my fence.
Back to Montgomery Street and change … Special EFX is full-service everything for the ladies-beauty salon, perms, nails and coloring. The also carry ladies attire, from inside out, and darling gifts. Awesome!
Right next door is The Red Fly… a great place for guys’ stuff and gals’ clothing and gifts. Across the street you will find Ruby’s, an upbeat dress shop, with a friendly staff. The Red Fly and Ruby’s cater to the young, energetic girl-about-town set. With proper attire for your fellow, too.
Next door to Ruby’s is the famous Mary Lake-Thompson, Ltd, a nationally recognized artistic gift shop and original decor. Fantastic! Her work has been shown all over the country.
Did I hear that La De Da is moving to a new location? Rumor has it that they will soon be located on Montgomery Street and changing their inventory with specialty products made to order for brides, grooms, and wedding party gowns, as well as specialty products that will please bridesmaids and ring-bearers.
Afternoon Delights is a perfect place to shop for bridal shower gifts and fancy lingerie. The homemade soaps are to die for, and the bubble baths are great fun. Ask Kay for suggestions on party treats, fun and games. Right now she is located across from the Senior Center, but a little birdie told me she is looking for larger quarters. Hopefully she can teach some of us her technique on making homemade soaps.
The Downtown Senior Center still needs happy volunteers! FRSCA (Senior Center) is where I go to get answers to my questions about Oroville. The current volunteers are awesome, polite, caring, and ready, willing, and able to answer most questions. You can play Bingo there on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. A low-cost, nutritional lunch is served Monday-Friday around 11:30 am. (A donation of $2.50, is suggested.)
FIRST FRIDAY of each month The Downtown Business Association (DBA) has special events and wonderful sales in many of the stores. There is often music in the streets and something going on. Regardless of whether you want to shop, eat or play, there is something special happening. So please mark your calendar. The First Friday this month falls on July 3rd! Going downtown is a great way to begin the festivities and holiday celebrations.
Betty Jean’s is still on Bird Street and offers great bargains for Friday Night Shoppers. Gallery Interiors generally have interesting decorating ideas to share with First Friday Night Shoppers.
If you are anything like me, you will get hungry, thirsty, or weary, before the night is through. Scoops will be open for business handing out watermelon samples, and you can get 10% off Gelato or Sorbetto. (I love that stuff ... yummy, yummy!) There will also be a Friday Night Movie. (Starts at 5 pm) Princess Bride is a classic fairy tale. Houser’s Music may provide live music for your entertainment. (I sure get a kick out of those guys.) And, they do it all for you!
Oro Dam Cruiser Cars will be parked on Bird Street beginning at 4 pm. The Community Concert will be at the State Theatre and the Free Movie in the park will be Hitch!
Overheard on a Wednesday Night: “Where can you find more single men than women?” Answer by a lady coming out the door: “Western Pacific Brewing & Dining is men’s night-out on the dance floor. Lessons are 7 p.m. Mondays & Wednesdays.”
There is something for everyone in this community. All coffee shops, dinner houses (downtown) and around will be opening their doors and hearts to tourists and locals and families. Show your support. Stick around this weekend and have some fun. There numerous thrift shops that recently relocated to Historical Downtown Oroville. Check out the museums while you are here. And when you see me on the street, be sure to say “HI!” I am the lady with the gold cap and large clock on my golden purse. Why? I live and love in Gold Country! Drop me a line at my e-mail address: della@diggernews.com
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