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Call Me TheNewcomer
(by Della Bacon - February 15, 2010)
It isn’t just the young who seek romance, companionship, and adventure in the new year. It is February, 2010; we all think hearts and valentines, love and hugs. But more important, It’s Leap Year! That means, girl can invite boy. Enough said. Mother can also instruct her only begotten son, Charlie Brown, to deliver her to a Spa, where she can be pampered, protected, and waited on hand & foot. Breakfast in bed? Of Course. Make it a dream vacation. My son reminded me of the genie in the bottle when he said, “You said it. So be it. Your wish has been granted.”
Here I am! An unexpected, unplanned, glamorous vacation, right here in Oroville. My room is snow white, luxurious draw curtains, my own television, and a view of the courtyard. Oh, my goodness, the room comes with an experienced client and other guides, who promised to point me in the right direction, should I appear to be lost. My roommate’s name is Nettie Danner. She has been here before; this time for a an entire week. Nettie was born and raised in Oroville, and knows her way around. I was so delighted when I found out her granddaughter had gone to school with my favorite side-kick, Jasmine Jenkins, who works at Raley’s when she is not attending college. One of the attendants came to be my personal trainer; her specialty is teaching mature ladies and men to relax. She said it is the newest way to stay energetic, she loves senior citizens.
When I was first introduced to the handsome young man in blue, I had no clue we may have met before. He promised to help me, so I would not fall. Then gave me a gadget, if I had a need to call. It took me time, but I soon learned this friendly man had a loving family in Chico—wife Jane Ann Colbrush and two beautiful sons, Spencer 10 and Kaled age 8. Our visits helped me remember my special vacations In Mazatlan, Cancun and Guadalajara, Mexico so many years ago …
Before I can tell you more about the wonderful things we did, I must tell you some of the others I met. Monica Dahm, is a Registered Nurse, who only recently moved to Oroville. She introduced me to Leona Barranca, who is the beautiful daughter of my British friend, Maureen Anselm. Maureen and I were privileged to enjoy the one act plays at Birdcage Theatre opening night in January.
Have you figured out where my beloved son took me for R&R and the surprise vacation? I’ll give you a hint. Where would you find Kash Vang, M.D. most weekdays? No! He is no longer pursuing to further his education! He has arrived to serve in the community in which he was raised! Where am I? Where is he?
I have been on vacation. Did you miss me? I certainly missed you. Now I feel it’s time to do catch up and fill you in, on some very exciting experiences, and lots of stuff that is going to happen soon. That’s right! It’s February already...
Last year at this time, I had the wonderful privilege of meeting a well-known lady, who was born and raised in Oroville. That is Adilah Barnes, actress, writer, and a real live person. She read excerpts from her autobiography On My Own Terms at the State Theatre in Oroville. I was moved by her writings and wonderful experiences. But what I loved most is how she dedicated her book to local people, some of whom I have had the pleasure of meeting. True, a few have passed away, but the blood-line lives on, right here in Oroville.
Barnes dedicates her book to her mother and father, Mosea Lee and Edward Barnes (and her biological father, Theoplis Dennis, who was 99 at the time of the writing). Her dedication mentions a sister Dorothy, brothers Hollis and Edward, niece and nephews Adriene, RJ, and Eugene. She gives credit for her talent, ambitions and accomplishments to numerous people who began their life in Southside Oroville.
Did you buy the book? Well I did. If you didn’t, it is not too late, you can find it at both of our local book stores, The Bookworm on Montgomery Street, Discount Books on Myers Street.
Barnes is a fantastic example of one who believed: “If you can dream, you can achieve it!” She did! She is an accomplished Hollywood actress, and mentor to some very famous people. Some have commented, “She is capable of thinking outside the box.” If I tell you more, you won’t buy the book. Buy it, then drop me a line or two.
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I have been meaning to remind you that the Feather River Recreation and Park District has my friend and talented artist Jon Shult teaching the world to “lighten-up.” That’s right, this talented BAT (Bay Area Transplant) came from my stomping grounds (San Jose), and has it in with cartoon and comic book figures. What a great imagination, artist and instructor. To sign up for a class you can register at FRRPD (Municipal Auditorium) All skill levels, all ages welcome. This is awesome therapy. Turn your doodling into animation, gag cartoons, comic strips and story-books.
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By the way, Jason Nobel has not abandoned Oroville, as previously reported to me. He is an animal lover, and veterinarian assistant, working at Paws Clinic Monday thru Thursday, and as a volunteer at the PAWS Thrift Store, the second Saturday of each month. Personally, I’ve missed his up-beat attitude and beautiful window displays. I am so happy to find him again.
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Talking about finding people. I lost another young man, whom I was positive would let me adopt him as a grandson. Last year he ‘let-me’ push his lawn mower at Municipal Auditorium. He said he was a Honda Man. Do you know who he is? Have you any idea where I can find him? Someone told me he often eats lunch in Downtown Oroville.
There certainly are some Positive Thinkers in our town. One’s motto is “Can Do” If you tell me Who Can-Do (better than you), I will put your name in a drawing for 2 tickets to an upcoming Birdcage Theatre presentation: “Cocktail Hour” (scheduled for April and May, 2010).
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Drop me a line on E-mail della@diggernews.com or a post card addressed to The Digger Shopper & News, 2057 Mitchell, Oroville, CA 95966. More about the drawing in next week’s Digger.
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