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The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - February 22, 2010)
Looking for adventure, excitement, change, and a new experience? Those are just some of the feelings that I have when walking and shopping in Oroville. It is a new adventure. I get excited when I meet someone new or anyone who wants to stop and chat. I love to see the changes in the store windows. And when I meet and greet those who work hard to keep Oroville a wonderful experience, tears well up in my eyes … No kidding.
When was the last time you visited Historical Downtown Oroville? Did you know Emporio is now open for business? It’s a clothing store. Something for the entire family. Yes, it has taken over the McMahon Furniture Store building. If you are new to town and don’t know where that is, the address is 2120 Bird Street. Grandma’s Mission of Hope Thrift Shop is just across the street. Across Bird Street is Vozza’s Hobbies and Comics, next to The Candy Shoppe, where you can find taffy, sweets and chocolates. Oh yes—lots of convenient parking in the area: the Public Parking Lot is a skip and a jump away, as are several other thrift shops. If you have a mate who hates to shop, send him to Don’s Billiards while you do the grunt work.
Are you interested in lingerie and bedroom supplies? Check out Nookies, a brand new retail store right in front of the famous clock on Montgomery Street. That’s correct, it is between Roxy’s Sandwich Shop and Oldies But Goodies. If you didn’t send your significant other to Don’s Billiard’s, why not suggest he visit The Montgomery Street Pub. It opens a bit late for my taste, but I hear it is a fun group of locals who are exceedingly supportive of our community, and participate in lots of fund-raising projects. Recently I saw a sign in the window about a baby shower. Well now, that is interesting. If you go to The Pub, someone in your group can shop for lingerie at Nookies! Rent a tuxedo at Evolve and purchase a beautiful wedding gift at a number of other shops in town. How do I know that? I saw the sign painted on the window. We certainly have some glamour shops in Oroville. Special EFX is a ‘total body’ studio. Next door is The Red Fly, an up-beat clothing store for men and women. (During the summer, when the Farmer’s Markets have taken over the municipal parking lot, I have actually seen and heard music being played on the sidewalk. Once the retail stores on Montgomery Street, enticed the Farmer’s Market shoppers to cross the street and be treated to a hot dog special.
We have some famous people who work at, and patronize, The Greenline Cycles Do you know who they are? Tell me; I really want to know. Is the young Ellwood still the champion skate-boarder of Butte County, California and/or the USA?
Chemical Mayhem has opened for business inside Evolve. (It’s a real live beauty shop.) If you didn’t know it already, I will tell you again: Tracy Grant’s fashionable attire is for everyone, but she has a fettish for weddings: brides, grooms, moms, dads and all the kiddies. Now, Stephanie is booking appointments inside the store for your convenience. Ruby’s Boutique, of course, is across the street and favors young, youthful figures in top-fashion clothing.
How can you go wrong shopping for a loved one at any or all of these specialty stores? You want the best? We got it, right here in Oroville. (Historical Downtown Oroville Merchants Motto: “If we don’t got it! You say what? We will get it!) Ask anyone on the street or in a store, and they will confirm; “That’s Oroville for you! Always ready, willing, and able-bodied to serve.”
What about this new place? INDULGE? How does one INDULGE in Oroville. Check it out. Steve Nielsen and his charming wife are taking a chance. That’s right! They are indulging in a new adventure. What? I am not quite sure, you really just need to check this out yourself. I have been inside the store. I have checked out the window display. And yes, I made it a point to inquire at MADD-TATOO Parlor on Huntoon Street. With the same response—go see for yourself. Dawna Nielsen, (married to Steve Nielsen, the “Can Do” man of Oroville) is the sister-in-law of Tracy Nielsen-Grant.
I have confirmed the rumor—.Com Computers & Graphics, currently located across the street from Betty Jean’s Dress Shop is relocating his business. Soon this fabulous company will be located on Myers and Park Streets (the same complex where Bark Avenue Dog Grooming is located). Another empty store in downtown Oroville? Hey! No way. Jessica F. Miller, Attorney at Law, is taking over the .Com Computer space. Andy & Nikki Smith, from Sierra Gem, like coffee. That’s why they set up Per-Diem Coffee Shop on Myers Street. (Now they are running around in circles serving coffee, sandwiches, lunches and desserts to all of us who want to connect to WI FI or internet.) Soon I will be there interviewing walk-ins.
What else is happening? Coming soon to downtown is Beautifully Bronzed Tanning and Accessories. Also, I heard that The Salvation Army Thrift Shop in the Raley’s Shopping Center is relocating next to BIG LOTS at the corner of Oro Damn Blvd. and Lincoln. You want to have your Honda motor repaired? Wave at Dave Glover standing on the deck, waiting for the train, at 1850 High Street. They have roadside service. Houser’s Music Store has Linda James, who not only plays restful, beautiful music, but also teaches keyboard and more. Why haven’t I seen her at the store? Oophs, she is upstairs teaching the world to play ... harp, flute, keyboard, voice and other traditional instruments. You know someone who wants to learn? She says “Music is a gift to share.” Call her at 530-321-5671 and tell her “The Newcomer” sent you.
Well folks, there are other exciting things going on all over our town. Lott House has re-opened. I know I’ve left a lot of things out and didn’t mention some of the wonderful folks I’ve recently met. I will keep writing. If you want to talk, please telephone The Digger Shopper & News (530 533-2170), leave a message for me, and I WILL return your call. If you have access to e-mail, drop me a line; della@diggernews.com
della bacon
The Newcomer
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