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The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - October 02, 2007)
Thank you...Thank you...Thank you...All you wonderful people who keep inviting me to breakfast, lunch and/or dinner with all the trimmings. You are wonderful cooks, and know great places to inhale fantastic food. Yes. You’re right! Food does make the heart grow fonder…And Mom told me the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Right? No more excuses, I finally accepted a gracious invitation from a lady I met on a street corner shopping with her granddaughter, Grandma Bonnie Lombardi. She invited me to meet her at FRSCA’S, on any Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 o’clock. She assured me that I would enjoy the lunch and have a lot of fun!
Since I am new to Oroville, and didn’t want to sound stupid, I bit my tongue and didn’t ask the questions I was thinking... (“What is a FRSCA? Is there a vowel missing? Or is there a flavor you would prefer me to order? Is it one of those new energy drinks that promise a slim, trim, and immediatly fit figure with a money-back guarantee? Should I invest in their stock? Is it one of the new restaurants in town? Are they listed in the telephone book under FRSCA? Can you tell me again how to pronounce it?”) I wanted to exclaim... “Please...Don’t tease me...tell me! Tell me! What is a FRSCA?”
No, I didn’t make a fuss. Instead, I requested a ride from one of my neighbors to FRSCA on Myers Street in downtown. My neighbor agreed to drop me off later in the morning, if I would “please” go to Gold Country Casino first. I agreed, because I love watching the ballroom dancers practice their stuff and their swing in the cocktail lounge on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
I arrived at the FRSCA at about 10:45 AM. Music was playing as I walked through the door. I was in the mood for an adventure. Low and behold, there waiting patiently was none other than my new-found friend, Bonnie Lombardi. With her were Mary Cirniglairo and Marion Rankin: three elegant ladies, who immediately sweep me off my feet. The Hostesses with the mostesses were setting up tables at the Oroville Senior Center.
Meanwhile, Terri Sue Sadowski and her gang were in the kitchen preparing a nutritional meal with all the trimmings. I was surprised and elated at the same time to meet up with Terri Sue, who previously told me her passion was helping seniors and she was one of many who saw to it that Meals on Wheels were delivered to those who couldn’t come to the Senior Center. We hugged and we talked about seniors, volunteering and the gracious groups that come together to make these things possible. FRSCA (Feather River Senior Citizens Association Inc.) is a not-for-profit corporation. Those that make it possible are the volunteers, who serve so diligently. When FRSCA asks for a donation, please pay attention and give what you can. The local contribution stays local and helps the community provide for those who will admit they are senior citizens. Since a new group graduates every year...you too may soon be a senior who socializes at the Senior Center. Don’t; it’s great...
If you are special enough to get an invitation to the FRSCA some Tuesday, don’t ask questions, just go! I did! I met people who I told you before are only strangers until you say hello. Then they grow into our great friends of tomorrow. “The Lunch Bunch” is a delightful group of friendly folks. I have to tell you, I may not be considered a gourmet like those who dine at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf and order Oysters under glass, or Escargots (snails), in Shells. Nevertheless, I certainly believe in good nutrition, and found my visit to be an exceptional experience.
Regardless if you are a gambler, player or dancer, you can still have lunch with other seniors on Tuesday mornings. Like my neighbors, I will continue to go to Gold Country Casino, enjoy an excellent, free hot cup of coffee, and munch on a high-calorie, high-cholesterol, chocolate-covered donut. I will play my $5 freebie (but I don’t gamble); I will go to the cocktail lounge and watch the senior dancers. I’ll be there too...but I don’t drink, Thank You.
Before you are totally broke, drive or ask to be driven to FRSCA on Myers Street. (Everyone, but the Newcomer knows where it is, and what it stands for...) Enjoy a nutritional lunch and be sure to stick around for Bingo. The Lunch is only $2.50. The cost of the Bingo is up to you, but I guarantee it is reasonable. There are two different bands that play each month. Bring that dance partner and do a little swinging while you are at it!
By the way, your secret is safe with me. FRSCA is not a new drink, or one of the new restaurants in town. It is the initials for FEATHER RIVER SENIOR CITIZENS ASSOCIATION. The frisky ones are Mary Cirniglaro, President; Bonnie Lombardi, Vice-Pesident; Dorothy Beasley, Treasurer; and Marion Rankin, Secretary. They tell me “New is Good,” and if you haven’t been around in the past year, You are out-of-date and don’t have a clue as to what is transpiring in downtown Oroville. So, for all the reasons listed above; and because I have committed myself to join the ladies and gentlemen for lunch during their first year anniversary in October. I invite you to join us for lunch next Tuesday and/or any Tuesday in October. Come as you are...enjoy a good lunch...meet nice people and stick around for Bingo if you like. I’ll be there. Weather permitting, we can enjoy walks around the blocks and excellent conversation....
I’m still the Newcomer in town, looking around and trying to get acquainted. It has been fun and exciting. There are so many more things to see and to do, more than I could ever have imagined. If you keep reading, I’ll keep visiting more stores... around Oroville. Drop me a line. della@diggernews.com
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