Call me the Newcomer

The Newcomer ~ by della bacon

Holy Cow! Where has the time gone? Seems like only yesterday that I was sitting across the desk from none other than the infamous David Miller, publisher of Great Adventures Publishing, Inc. That’s the guy responsible for The Digger, The Source, 101 Things To Do, Adventures, and the Oroville/Gridley Visitor’s Guide. Whew! As I recall, we discussed the West Nile virus, and a mutual friend, Darrell Phillips. Darrell was the publisher of the Manteca Bulletin newspaper. That was back in 2007, when The Digger was celebrating their 30th birthday. Now, I am told, they are celebrating their 35th birthday, which means that I have been writing this column for five full years! What have I learned in the past five years? I have learned that Oroville is a vibrant, beautiful town with fantastic people who love to have fun. There is something for each and every age group!
The motto, “The Fun Starts Here”, is true for Oroville. There is always something to do, and something to look forward to doing. For instance, what do you know about the last Yahi Indian, Ishi?  This is your opportunity to learn more… I know I did!  Ishi was middle-aged when he appeared out of the bushes here in Oroville in 1911. He had been wandering around the foothills for several years before making himself known to the white settlers. It’s an awesome åstory. I went to the Lake Oroville Visitor’s Center and The Historical Society to learn more. And yes, I do remember seeing the movie The Last Tribe, starring Graham Greene as Ishi, way back when. The 11th Annual Ishi Gathering and Seminar will start at the Butte County Historical Society on Friday, August 31st, from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by a dinner at the Ehmann Home that evening. On Saturday, there will be a breakfast at the Ehmann Home, and Scott Ezell, editor and co-author of “Songs from a Yahi Bow”, will be available to answer questions from 8 to 9:30 a.m.  From 10-4 p.m. you can find out even more about Ishi at the Lake Oroville Visitor’s Center on Kelly Ridge Road, where some free planned activities will be taking place. Contact the Lake Oroville Visitor’s Center for more information at 538-2219. You can spend the entire weekend learning about Ishi and the Yahi tribe. It is truly fascinating.
Don’t forget, next week is the First Friday celebration in historical downtown Oroville.  This means that most of the stores will be staying open later, with lots of big displays and great deals all along the sidewalks! It is always a fun event for the whole family, sometimes with music in the streets, dancing, singing, and competitive activities. The boys and girls from the YMCA come out in full force with surprises and fun things to do. The FRSCA (Feather River Senior Center Association) on Myers Street generally provides cool-comfort and easy chairs for tired and over-heated shoppers on Friday afternoons, and Saturdays when the Farmer’s Market is open.
That’s right, Saturday’s Farmer’s Market in the Municipal Parking lot, on Montgomery Street, opens early and starts closing down about noon. It’s a fun adventure with something new to ooh and ahh over every single week! I love locally grown fruits and vegetables, and I get a big kick out of the arts, crafts, and home-made goodies for sale. Go early (around 7:30 or 8 a.m.) and plan on settling down for lunch at one of the many wonderful restaurants in the downtown area. Who knows what you might find? Of course there are other Farmer’s Market’s in Oroville. On Wednesday afternoons the merchandise, fruits, and vegetables are displayed at the Oroville Hospital. Thursday mornings, all year round, we can check out the Farmer’s Market on Myers Street, at the Fire Station in South Side, off Wyandotte, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..
I know you have heard that Tong Fong Low (aka Charlie’s) on Robinson Street is celebrating their 100th anniversary on Saturday, September 8th.  It’s going to be an exciting day in historical downtown Oroville, with activities like the Chinese New Year celebrations in San Francisco! It tickles my fancy just to think about it!  Did you get your tickets for the State Theatre that night?
I did. And no, I wouldn’t miss it.  What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and reminisce with the community about a local business and the joy Charlie’s has brought to so many people in Oroville.
Talking about the goodies and performances at the State Theatre, on Friday and Saturday the 14th and 15th of September, the future movie stars of America will be on stage.  Stamp Your Feet Performing Arts Centre’s youth cast will be performing a much loved fairy tale, “Into The Woods”, which will be narrated by the one-and-only Bill Falcon of Birdcage Theatre fame.
Oh my gosh, I almost forgot…the Birdies (you know, like the Emmies, Oscars, etc.)  and awards were handed out last week to the many talented people who performed last year, the 28th season of The Birdcage Theatre. It was held at The Depot, on High Street. What a wonderful, beautiful, and enjoyable event. There were nearly 100 people in attendance; young actors and actresses, new to the stage (and some new to Oroville); older actors and actresses with self-confidence and style.  There were family, friends, and admirers taking it all in, enjoying the fantastic entertainment.
The play “Leading Lady” swept the majority of awards. Dennis Ashley, a pastor and relatively new to Oroville and The Birdcage, took the Best Performing Newcomer Award for playing the lead role, Sylvia, in the stage play by the same name. He was amazing! I still chuckle just thinking about it! Carolyn Falcon walked away with Best Character Acting Award. I wish that I could mention each and every one of those who received awards. Congratulations to all of the amazing individuals who participated last year, including the actors, actresses, volunteers, directors, costume makers, set designers and ticket takers. Not to mention the helpers at the snack bar!
The Birdcage Theatre’s 29th Season kicks off in September with the play, “Hay Fever”, rehearsals are going on now with Bill Falcon directing. Opening night will be on Thursday, September 27th., instead of the normal opening on a Friday.  Have you purchased your season tickets?
It’s that time of year for the salmon to come home and spawn! To celebrate, the annual Salmon Festival will kick off on Friday, September 21st and continues Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd. Even more exciting is that this year we are combining Oroville’s Bounty with the Salmon Festival. While this is a very special time of year for us in the North State, it is also special to the family and friends of fishermen, campers, and adventure seekers. Just remember, motels, hotels, and B&B’s will be chuck full of out-of-towners. Be sure to tip your hat, keep a smile on your face, and enjoy the hustle and bustle. It truly is a wonderful time of year for all of us.
Living in Oroville is fun. Meeting my neighbors has been enlightening. I am told,  volunteers are needed and wanted at The Birdcage Theatre!  But that’s not all… have you visited each and every museum in the community? They use volunteers. What about the Gleaners? They need and want volunteers. Have you thought about helping seniors at FRSCA?  What about volunteering at the Oroville Hospital? The YMCA can always use volunteers. Check out all of the different ways to get involved in this amazing community of ours. You won’t be disappointed!