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The Newcomer

(by Della Bacon - October 19, 2009)

The longer I live here, the better I like it! That is, life in The North State. I am especially fond of the quaint, friendly and very talented community of Oroville, California. I previously enjoyed a successful career marketing real estate in Manteca, California. While I was raised on the San Francisco Peninsula, I was privy to experiencing theatrical performances, featuring handsomely paid and very famous movie stars. It was fun taking the Southern Pacific commuter train to the “Big City.” We walked to Fisherman’s Wharf or China Town. We shopped on Market Street in overwhelmingly large department stores. Even the financial district was intriguing. But you know something? We never got to sit with, or meet, the people who put the programs together, and/or did the actual entertaining. Now ask me, “What is so special about Oroville?” Figure it out ... You got it! It is the opportunity to meet the real people, behind the scenes. Folks who proudly support the community by giving back.
You bet, it is the people, the merchants, the families, the parents, the talented actors, actresses, directors and stage hands. It is also the docents and volunteers who are not paid to greet, host or entertain the public. And, it is the pride shown by the entire community that supports Oroville’s historical significance and heritage. This is a family-oriented community, and it feels like family. I talk to folks who are third, fourth, and fifth generation. I get to meet others who moved North to retire, hunt, fish and boat. They may have come from the Bay Area or from Southern California. Many moved here after attending Chico College. The ones whom I have met feel like family. They are warm, wonderful and supportive of their neighbors, friends, and the newcomers, like me.
I was just messing around last weekend, and stopped at a garage sale. Lo and behold an interesting family came down the driveway to greet me. It was none other than Perry & Donna Hawkins. No, I don’t know these people, but you probably do! Perry served on Oroville City Council, the YMCA Board of Directors, and served as Chairman for Parks and Recreation.  He was also the top-dog at the Safeway Grocery Store from 1962 until his retirement in 1990. Hawkin’s wife Donna is none other than the daughter of the former Donna’s Dress Shop. Her mom was a San Francisco girl before moving to Oroville many years ago. You must have known Donna when she worked at the First National Bank or Bank of The West. She was one of those executive types. She worked her way up in the financial world as an Operation Officer.
Since we are talking about some of those who give back to the community and dedicate their spare time to making Oroville a great place to live and visit, John and Pam Casner seem to be involved in every great event. I just found out that John Casner is a great photographer. But, I always knew he and his wife, Pam, just keep giving, giving, and giving of their time and organizational skills. If you are new in town, you may not know that Pam and John work as a team as owners and operators of one of the oldest retail stores in Historical Downtown Oroville. That store is Betty Jean’s on Bird Street.
Other fascinating people whom I have only recently met are the four girls who refer to themselves as Luau and Hula Dancers: Katy Ryan, Carolee, Jolan, and Leanna. If I were going to raise funds for a good cause, they would be the first entertainer’s I would contact. If you were fortunate enough to attend “Damn Yankees” at the State Theatre earlier this year, you got a glimpse of their talent. You also experienced Duffy McDuffie as the fantastic Music Director.
Shame on you, if you didn’t take the time to attend “The Odd Couple” (Female Version) at the Birdcage Theatre. It was a great success— full of fun and laughter!  Mother and daughter, Ana & Raquel Pina, directed the play. I was fascinated to watch it evolve from auditions to opening night. It was a great cast and lots of fun.
Coming the end of this month at The Birdcage is Eleemosynary by Lee Blessing. Directed by Lucille Beatty. The play focuses on the lives of three Westbrook women. It is a mature study of family relationships. No auditions were held, as Judith Davies, her daughter, and granddaughter will perform. When? Opening night is October 30th.
Another great director and author is Anna Devore. Rehearsals are under way for this old-fashioned ghost story, “Cliff’s End,” scheduled for performances at The Birdcage Theatre in December. Don’t miss it! All these talented people who donate their time and skills want and need your support. It is one of the neatest things about this small community—seeing our neighbors on stage.
Gotta tell you I just received information about other local talent, Nancy Bray (Borsdorf) and her partner Justin Bishop. They call themselves Horse Sense, which is not merely a concert of music, but a true cultural experience. Cowboy music, songs, stories and poems of the West are their specialty. For more information about connecting with Nancy & Justin, go to www.horsesensemusic.com. Justin sings, plays guitar and banjo, while Nancy does her thing with the fiddle and mandolin.
My sincere thank you to the Quilt Lady who lives in the Oaks—you made my day! I love hearing from people who are active, healthy and happy, being and doing what they do.    
There’s to be a Halloween Dance Saturday, October 30th from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Senior Center on Myers Street. Everyone is welcome. What a great way to celebrate Halloween, and benefit the improvements needed to keep our Senior Center doing what it is supposed to do, like providing a nice place for Seniors to mingle, enjoy a hardy lunch from Monday through Friday. Play Bingo on Tuesday and Thursday. Just come and meet all those folks you should have met long ago. Donations will be taken at the door; snacks will be served. I am going—in costume! What about you? It will be a fun afternoon. Please join us! You don’t have to dance. You can sit and listen to the music. Just come as you are, participate, with or without a partner, with or without a costume. You can just tap your feet, clap your hands, get wild and sing.  The idea is to support the Senior Center (FRESCA). We all need you. That’s right, I will be there in costume—a gold one for me.
Now, I know you have heard it before:  Shop Local! What I have to say, “If you are in business, keep your name in front of the public, and don’t expect your neighbors to do all your advertising. Keep a good supply of business cards handy, and hand them out. Go some place. Wander around town and chat. You will never get such big smiles, friendly service, and useful information by waiting for others to approach you!” That’s my advice. Holidays are coming upon us rapidly. This can be your best year yet! Regardless if you agree, or disagree, drop me a line or send an e-mail: della@diggernews.com