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The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - November 27, 2007)
If you can dream-it, you can achieve it! All you have to do is put your mind to it, and go to work... (with a smile on your face.) I know, because I’ve been there, done that, and am still laughing about the experiences. Many businesses in Oroville started with a DAY DREAM...
Take the dynamic Tracy Grant, owner of the famous “EVOLVE” store on Bird Street. In her wildest dreams, she didn’t dare envision herself as a Classy-gal or Entrepreneur. She was merely a working-girl, who started out as a minimum-wage sales-clerk in a local department store. (Brown & Company) After 10 years, the owners, Milt and Margaret Brown, were planning to retire and close the store. Instead of sending the young girl to the unemployment line, they handed her an idea. (One she had not dared dream.) Her boss, Milt Brown, suggested the young protégée’ had matured enough to operate her own business. For the past two years Grant has owned and operated her dream-business, ‘EVOLVE’. Her store says it all...Tracy Grant, has ‘evolved’ into the world of glamour and style. She has re-invented herself from the young sales clerk, to becoming an authority on proper-wearing-attire for men, women, and teens and children of all ages. The perfect outfit, for any fancy occasion is available at EVOLVE. They even ‘rent tuxedo’! Whatever the reason, as Tracy to outfit the entire family for weddings, graduations, proms and balls. Tracy Grant is a Miracle come true..
My interview with Tracy was full of laughter and a special respect for her husband, Bob Grant, who also owns his own business. She confided the couple were both so involved with their businesses, they had to make appointments with each other, in order to be intimate. (Grant’s Custom Auto Shop is located off of Pacific Heights Blvd.)
After Tracy shared her secret, I thought, to myself...”Guys who enjoy working on cars, still love to come home to a glamorous woman.” My advise to you who have little time for your girl-friend, wife or significant other. Buy Gift Certificate’s at EVOLVE, or any of the other locally owned and operated store in the community. The lady will be happy shopping, and you can spend time with the cars or the boob tube.” Besides that you would be supporting locally owned and operated businesses in Oroville.
This brings to mind R. F. Marcozzi Jewelers, the oldest established jewelry store in the county, is owned and operated by the entire family, who have a lot of slogans... Many of truth was said in jest... “If you don’t know your jewels...at least get to know your Jeweler!” Or better still, “When In Hot Water, Apply Ice.” Hint...Diamonds are still a girls best friend...Got it?!?” (Giggle) I had to explain that one to my son. Get it? Hot Water, Ice like big Diamonds!
You can also check out Sierra Gem Company or Crown Jewelry Company. Remember you can’t go wrong when you buy a Gift Certificate for that special someone.
Talking about gift-giving and trying to please everyone on your list.. Once upon a time I purchased a Computer via the internet. I found the experience to be painful and time consuming. Not-to-worry, you won’t have to go through the same pain if shop locally. The owners live here and we can chase them down...(tee hee) There is Dot. Com PC on Bird Street, (Delightful- Dane) and the new computer store Comp-U-Bytes. Both are experts and knowledgeable about computers, and carry computer and supplies. If you desire knowledge or tutoring either call Mr. Bolt, (he advertises in classified) or sign up at the Adult School.
Another hobby could be knitting or crocheting. It is a form of relaxation for me. (I like to keep my hands busy.) The Yarn Shoppe is peaceful and serene. Briony and Chrisanne Gntechwitz, have the finest collection of yarn I’ve ever seen under one roof. The girls are experts in their field, and teach knitting and crocheting in scheduled classes, for beginners and experienced alike. The Yarn Shoppe, is conveniently located next to Afternoon Delights and across the street from the Senior Center on Myers.
Michael and Cheryl Lucas, proprietors of Almost Antiques are planning to retire this year. Everything in the store has been marked down. It saddens me to see them go, we have barely gotten to know one another. Eloquent, Eloise Stevenson of Day-Dreams is also planning to retire. (How sad.) I wonder if these marvelous-dependable business-people know how greatly they have influenced the community and the younger generation, who are working so hard to follow in their foot steps, and develop their own Day Dreams into success stories. It is not easy being a business-owner in any community. It requires long hours, hard-work, and dedication to achieve success. Just as ‘Beauty is in the eyes of the Beholder’... “Success is a State of Mind’... and what’s big to me, may be small to you. It is just a matter of perspective. (Giggle) So, keep dreaming, keep a positive attitude, and do your part to keep our town... ‘Healthy, Wealthy and Wise. Remember, this is Gold Country! Anything is possible.
Have you noticed what a Small World we live in? I am told I have friends here I’ve never met. In fact, I am trying to find them...
· Do you know Jack and Dianne Taylor? Apparently their daughter is married to the son of one of my dearest-friends. That is Donna Reed, MSW., of Sacramento.
· Who is Gina? She is a very busy Hairdresser who works somewhere on Montgomery Street. She has a wonderful following, and a cute husband.
· Can you tell me which Turner Family is related to the Turners from Manteca: (Vic and Ruby Turner.) Vic is a big guy, loves to fish and recently retired. His wife Ruby has a heart of GOLD.
If you are acquainted with these lost souls, contact me at the Digger News, or leave a message for this Newcomer, with Tammy.
By the way, The Digger has turned “Tammy”, into a movie star. I saw her on the local television channel. You should ask for her autograph before she runs off to Hollywood. (Giggle)
Next time you plan a party contact Serena Brown at The Party Shop on Myers Street, before you get into town. She has some great ideas and a quick imagination, for any occasion. I took her one of my Gold Hats and asked if she had any ideas for a Feather’s Fall outfit? Next time I go to Feather’s Fall Casino, I’ll be wearing ‘that-hat’. (She’ll be coming round the mountain when she comes...in high-heel boots and feather hat.) Until next time...drop me a line or two... I am still...The Newcomer: (della@diggernews
.com).
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