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The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - October 26, 2009)
Have I fallen down on the job? I hope not! Trying to keep up with all the activities and excitement can be overwhelming, at times. Still, it is so much fun to live in a community where the people really care for one another, and work overtime designing new activities for all ages.
Take the Downtown Business Association (DBA). They team up with everyone to entertain and encourage folks like me to visit downtown more often. First Fridays of each month are always special and well planned. By whom? The local merchants and businesses, even the clerical help pitches in to make each month more exciting than the previous one. There is music in the streets, snacks at many places of business, discounts, sales, and during the summer, movies in the park. Historical Downtown Oroville is a great place to visit and/or shop.
The Senior Center (FRSCA) on Myers Street is stepping out and has been very involved with the DBA. This month on Saturday, October 31st from 4 to 8 p.m., they are encouraging all family members to attend a special dance. Refreshments will be served. While there is no charge, donations will be taken at the door. Come one, come all, and come as you are (with or without a costume). There will be plenty of time, after the dance, to do your thing: Trick, Treating, eating out, or taking in a movie. You don’t have to dance, if you don’t want to—just clap your hands, stomp your feet, share a smile, and visit those of us who won’t be Trick or Treating. Volunteers, neighbors, and friends you have yet to meet, will be in attendance.
Do you want to do some very special pre-holiday window shopping? The stores, shops, and businesses in Historical Downtown Oroville invite you to do your window shopping inside. Bella’s is a new store that specializes in pre-teen and teen clothing and accessories. I met with Kayla Jones, the young entrepreneur, she showed me some lovely original gifts, clothes and jewelry that would thrill any young lady. Bella’s has taken over Afternoon Delights former location.
Of course, you all know that “What-To-Wear” is under new management and ownership? Right? Check out the window displays first, if you must, but remember it’s what’s inside that counts.
Attention all grandmothers: D’MaMa’s Baby Bootie’que on Bird Street is also under new management and ownership. That’s right! Christy Peres-Carr is at your service. She tells me she plans on keeping the baby and mother-to-be lines of clothing and gifts, but also intends to add new merchandise. Check it out, folks. It is a great place to shop and especially fun for the grandparent type. Who are these young people? You got it, “They are not newcomers to Oroville. Christy and her husband were born and raised locally.”
Check this out: I met Tyler Carr when I first moved to Oroville. He is a friend of one of my favorite people. That is “The” Curtis Ellwell who has won national recognition as a Professional Skater, Biker, Father? Wow! What an honor for such a young man. Yes, I met Tyler Carr at The Greenline Cycles on Montgomery Street, shortly after I arrived in Oroville.
Since we are now talking about Montgomery Street, I want to remind you about La De Da, locally owned and operated by a very special Mother and Daughter Team (Windy and Erica Campbell, related to home-grown Campbell Fence Company of Oroville), has re-located their business. Yes, they moved from Bird Street to Montgomery Street, which is becoming known as of Oroville’s Historical Fashion Center. Their window display is elegant, and they still carry a special line of shoes, purses, jewelry, gifts and accessories. I dearly love this hardworking family and their contribution to this special community.
It is impossible for me to leave Montgomery Street without reminding you to walk the block. While you are at it, drop by Red Fly, Ruby’s Boutique, Special EFX Boutique, and another recently relocated specialty store, EVOLVE Boutique. They each carry a very different line of merchandise and have some of the most interesting specialists available to discuss your holiday needs.
Think Holidays. Think other unique gifts and specialty shops: Oldies But Goodies brings visitors to Oroville from all over the world. They are world famous, claiming merely to provide Juke Boxes and a Slot Machine Museum, but far more is behind the door. Then there is world famous Mary Lake-Thompson, Ltd, whose originality is in demand in elegant homes near and far. Gallery Interiors on Bird Street is owned and operated by none other than Sue Corkin, a lovely lady with wonderful ideas and a support team that can do anything. You like the touch of Spain, Mexico and other unique gifts? I do, and visiting Galeria Mexicana is always an awesome adventure. Jewelers ... we have them too, right here in our small, unique, and talented community. Check out Sierra Gem Company, Crown Jewelry Company, and R.F. Marcozzi. If they don’t have it in stock, they’ll get it quick. Just ask—that’s all it takes. The idea is to support our own local businesses. What about musical instruments, lessons for the grandchildren, family entertainment, and fund-raising: Houser’s Music is where I go for anything and everything musical.
Entertaining? Fund-raising? Catering? We can do it! And, it can be done on or off a budget! Downtown you will find Mug Shots Coffeehouse, The River, Roxy’s Golden Poppy, Scoops Cafe, Copa De Oro and Tong Fong Low’s. Keep your funds local. Keep it personal. Make this year the best planned year yet. Your family, your neighbors, the young, the old, and the in-between will appreciate your big heart and thoughtfulness. I do!
Have I forgotten to tell you that Creative Imaging Center takes pictures. Feather River Kitchen & Gifts is chock full of gift-items, and ideas. Pet Land has a large variety of pets to be acquired, gifts and treats. The local bookstores want to please. They are: Discount Books, The Bookworm, Living Word Christian Center and Christian Science Reading Room.
If you haven’t made a list, or found what you want, there are specialty orders taken at The Shirt Tree, numerous thrift shops, antique shops and garden shops throughout the area. Please don’t forget Elegant Eloise opens Day Dreams on Friday and Saturday and has a tremendous inventory of gifts and household items.
Did I mention our actors and actresses, artists and our young people: The Birdcage Theatre has many surprises in store for the coming year. Stamp Your Feet Performing Arts is preparing for some special holiday entertainment. The Artists of River Town have gifts and original art on display and for sale. How can you go wrong, when you stick with your own community this holiday season? Remember? The Fun Starts Here...ORO VILLE!
O.K. I covered a lot of territory this week! Soon I will be enjoying a wonderful evening out at Lake View Restaurant by the Golf Course and Marina. Sunday I will try their Prime Rib Specials. Why not join me...or write and tell me why you missed it!? Who am I? The Newcomer, della bacon, dressed in gold: della@diggernews.com
| Comments (1) |
On October 27, 2009 Lanny said:
Della: You mentioned everyone on Montgomery Street except the Pub. Have you met David & Tiffany Drake? They're the young hardworking couple who have tried to recreate the European "pub" neighborhood flavor to downtown Oroville while raising 3 youngsters and sponsoring so many worthwhile local activities. Stop in at Montgomery St Pub. Tell them Lanny sent you!! |
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