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The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - December 28, 2009)
It is time to say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new year. I, for one, had a great Christmas. It was filled with family and friends, laughter and tears ... even memories of yesteryears. Too soon it passed. But now, I look forward to what is coming in 2010. New Year’s resolutions, new goals and responsibilities, and fun writing this Newcomer’s Column. I am still in wonderment and fascination with the people who make up this small, loving community.
This year my own Christmas Eve morning was spent at the Gold Country Casino! (No! No! No! I didn’t gamble ... or throw my money away.) I felt privileged to enjoy the music and the energetic moms, dads, and grandparents swing and jiggle in the lounge with local entertainers. As one of the spectators, it is great to congregate and appreciate this happening of fun and music. To sit with and enjoy those who dance and those who congregate each Tuesday and Thursday morning at the Gold Country Casino! Rain or shine, a normal weekday or special holiday event, they come from all over the area. The entertainment is free of charge, and the casino supplies free beverages and a cup-cake or two. It is these warm, wonderful people who make me realize, “One is only as old as they feel!” Dancing is a great form of exercise. Try it! You might like it! Local talent provides the music, and most likely, one of your neighbors is strutting her stuff as a “line-dancer.”
Another great place that dancers congregate is Western Pacific Brewery (formerly known as The Depot)! Line dancing lessons on Monday evenings there start at 6:30 p.m. (No partner required.) Each class includes a new move. Swing Dancing lessons, California Style, are on Wednesday nights, beginning at 7 p.m.
Currently, I am in the process of making my own New Year’s Resolutions. How about you? Is it time for you to set a goal of breaking a bad habit? Together we can make a resolution to improve our health, energy, and disposition.
If you have a computer, maybe you need to update your knowledge. I know the Adult School is a commitment. But it is worth checking in to. I resolve to move away from the computer and bring more person-to-person contacts into my days.
Exercise seems to be foremost on people’s mind. Turn on the TV; what do you see? You see an abundance of exercise equipment for sale, to enhance certain parts of your body. That’s great, but I prefer exercising with others.
Take the YMCA. Well, it isn’t just for young men—not anymore. It is for young, old, and in-between boys, girls, and anyone else who just wants to get involved. There are exercise, yoga, and swimming classes. Check it out! Or refer to The Digger News classified section or the Community Events page. Circle some of the things that interest you, and put forth the effort to encourage a friend to participate with you.
FRSCA (Feather River Senior Center) has on-going programs. They even need volunteers to help them keep their programs interesting. It doesn’t cost much to be a member, to get involved, or just take advantage of the action. Bingo is played each Tuesday and Thursday. And, sometimes on Saturday.
At the end of Myers Street is the Municipal Auditorium, where many other programs are offered, including exercise and art classes. They are known as Feather River Recreation and Park District. Keep an eye on them—there is something there for everyone and all ages.
Please don’t forget the children, be they your young ones, a grandchild, or a neighbor’s child. There are wonderful local places for them to develop confidence and learn to express themselves on stage, off and with others learning at the same speed. One well-known lady, Kathy Neal, is a true artist, teacher and owner of Creative Arts Centre, located on Myers Street, next to Afternoon Delights. What delightful actors, actresses and dancers she has created. Thank you, Kathy Neal, you are truly an asset to this community.
Yes, dancing with a partner, or on the stage alone, builds character, strong bones, and helps build self-confidence in the young. Did you notice that the Stamp Your Feet performing youngsters were recognized as the best walking group in the Christmas Light Parade? Congratulations! Please keep up the good work; you are an inspiration ...
In closing this, I feel a need to thank you, my readers and the folks at The Digger for the opportunity of sharing my adventures and even opinions of this glorious community and its support groups. That means a big Thank You to Oroville Chamber of Commerce and their leaders, Claudia and Chris, who seem to perform 24-7 and always have fresh ideas to share. (Mary, too). How can I forget the ever-loving happy, Pam Casner and Sue Corkin who have devoted their spare time to keeping The Downtown Business Association, retailers, etc. active and inspired. And I can’t forget Bud Bolt of Bolt’s Tool Museum. He has kept me laughing and continues to make sure I am aware of special events at the museums. Then there is the BirdCage Theatre— chuck full of local entertainers, new writers, and a Board of Directors that supports the Arts.
Thank You, Larry Stewart at Cochrane Ophthalmology on Olive Highway. Thank you for being my very favorite mechanic in 2009. You are top-notch in my book! If it weren’t for you, and that dandy little screwdriver, these columns could never have been written. Yes! I continue to lose a screw or two every few weeks. I promise to have my eyes checked and obtain a new prescription in 2010, even get new frames.
I appreciate this community’s spirit, energy, encouragement, tidbits, and information. You have made my heart swell. Thus, I end this column this year reflecting on words of wisdom handed down to me over the years:
“I know I can’t please all the people, all the time. So I desire to please some of the people most of the time...” Another, “If you can dream it, you can achieve it!” Then there is, “If you keep doing the same thing over and over, expect the same results.” Well folks, I grew up as the young one in a large family, who believed: “Children should be seen and not heard. Silence is golden. What goes around, comes around.” With those thoughts, I want to close this year with a sigh of happiness and see the New Year in with a twinkle in my eye. Happy New Year, and of course, drop me a line if you have time: ...della@diggernews.com
della bacon
The Newcomer
| Comments (1) |
On January 17, 2010 Barbara said:
Hello
I just reread your column you do such a great job around town. I didn't know that I could read the ones that I have missed on line. Thanks. |
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