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Call Me TheNewcomer
(by Della Bacon - April 19, 2010)
To answer your question ... How did Della lose her groove? O.K. ... I missed you too, but I needed a break. Still, you should know the truth. Your e-mails, snail-mails, and stopping me downtown and inside local markets when I thought I was up earlier than you and incognito—the questions you asked were amazing, and ever so considerate. It was fun to be recognized, when I wasnt in costume (merely carrying my Gold-Purse with clock). The clock on the purse seemed either too fast, or several hours slow.
Me too ... At times, I felt very slow. Other times I was sure my heart was speeding and imagined the world could not keep up with my fast pace. Often times I didnt bother to put on my make-up, or drape my neck with one those gorgeous gold scarfs, so many merchants found for me, on their frequent shopping sprees. Without a pencil, tablet, or portable computer in hand, it was impossible to stop and do interviews. At least some of us were able to stop and chat. It went something like this: Hi, Glad to see (or meet) you. Gotta go now ... Just keep reading The Digger Shopper & News.
For those who believed the worse, heres the facts. I didnt quit writing the column. Nor did I pack up and leave town. The publisher, David Miller, didnt fire me (not yet). Actually, my computer came down with a virus, or so I thought.
Well stuff happens! Lo and behold, thats when true friends let themselves be known and step forward. My buddy, Bud Bolt of Bolts Tool Museum sat next to me at a business meeting in February, and whispered in my ear: I love your column! But if you ever need a helping hand or time-out, I got you covered. He added one more comment: I have provided The Digger with many articles they can use, if you ever need a rest. (Of course I blushed ...)
I dont think he expected me to take him up on his offer so soon! (Neither did I.) What a blessing! Thank you, Bud, you are awesome.
About the computer. Feeling as a damsel in distress, I prayed for a knight in shining armor to come and heal my ailing computer with his magical tools. Now that is where Gary Norwood comes into the picture. Norwood has developed a staff of the kind of magical people I so desperately needed. They came forward and told me the truth! There is nothing wrong with your computer, however the operator should take an aspirin and stop nagging it to perform.
Anyway, Im back in the saddle, and have things to share. The I Wish production is scheduled as a matinee at the State Theatre, in downtown Oroville. Please mark your calendar and bring the family on May 15th at 2 p.m. The price is very reasonable ($3 for children and $5 for adults). This energetic musical fantasy demonstrates the healthy habits we should learn and practice throughout our lifetime. The play is performed by our own youngsters. It stars a wooden carousel horse and co-stars singers and dancers from Stamp Your Feet Performing Arts, as well as students from local schools, who have dreamt of life as an actor or actress in Hollywood.
If you didnt get to enjoy East Baltimore Street musical production earlier this month at the State Theatre, shame on you! It was a work of art and another fantastic opportunity to watch our local talent do their thing on stage. Bill Falcon not only wrote the play, he directed and molded the cast into beautiful Jewish personalities, worthy of World War II efforts in America. Of course, with Winfred McDuffie as the Musical Director and Kathy Neal of Creative Arts Centre adding their talent and wisdom to the production, it was an eventful evening. I try desperately not to miss a chance to hear Karen Starkey-Holder sing. Yes, she once again, thrilled the audiences with her amazing soprano voice.
April and May are going to be hopping busy in Oroville. Get your calendar and make notes: the Cocktail Hour opens to the public at the Birdcage Theatre, Friday, April 23rd. Prepare yourself for whole-hearted laughter and some of the best of the best performers changing personalities. The Director? None other than our famous Ruby Thomas. She has chosen an award-winning cast—all well-known at the Birdcage Theatre, and numerous other playhouses in the North State.
Dont forget! Bidwell Bar Day is Saturday May 1st from 12 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. You get an opportunity to step back in time to Orovilles Wild West Days. Weather permitting you can stroll across the Historic Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge. You can watch an old-time melodrama. Yes, there will be pioneer games, and a chance to pan for gold. You can even get involved with craft-making out of corn-husks and/or tin. Worried about another rain? Arrangements have already been made to move all activities inside to the Visitor Center, should that happen. This is a fun, family affair!
On Sunday, April 25th Oroville Downtown Business Association wants you to bring a tool at 8 a.m. to Mugshots Coffee Shop. There is work to be done, cleaning our town, and preparing it to be filmed as a documentary.
At noon on April 25th, the Greenline Video Production Company will be filming our downtown, and the people who live here. Here is your big chance to be in a film. Oroville Tourism Committee needs people to be a part of this monumental film. It will start at the Municipal Parking Lot A (Montgomery Street) at noon. The focus: The Fun Starts Here!—the Greenline, that beautiful green line that directs visitors to historical sites. Bring the tools you would use to work in the garden or paint your home. Sunday, April 25th is a fun-type work day.
Thanks, Dan, for those awesome pictures! Also, thank you to the Smith Family, owners of Sierra Gem Jewelers. You and your staff certainly went the extra mile in assisting me this past month. My heart swells.
Well folks, if you keep reading, Ill keep writing. Just remember my motto: If I make a mistake, tell me! I will correct it somehow, some way. If you like this column, tell my boss, Dave Miller!
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