Call Me The Newcomer

Call Me
The Newcomer  ~della bacon

It’s catch up time for this Newcomer.        No, I didn’t take that safari vacation to
Africa, nor did I catch up with that camel caravan in some desert far away. I merely hung around the house snoozing and watching television while recovering from a couple of surgeries. The roads I traveled were with Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, and QVC. It wasn’t nearly as much fun as taking part in the festivities going on in Historical Downtown Oroville on the first Friday of each month. Check your calendar; this Friday is August 3, 2012. No commercials, just a whole lot of fun… music in the streets, sidewalk sales, happy merchants and shoppers. It’s not the end of the season, but end-of-season sales are in progress.
David Glover will be the movie projectionist at Centennial Park, and he has promised fun and games before family movies begin at dusk.
I dearly love walking and shopping in Oroville. Everyone seems so happy and carefree. You know meeting and greeting people is my passion. Shopping is entertaining, and my hobby is writing about it. It’s true I have earned the reputation of being A Happy Shopper. How about you?
Country and western music (Patsy Cline, Merl Haggard) is alive and well. Lowell Weatherford and his mother Glenda entertain monthly at Olive Ridge Convalescent Home. They bring their karaoke equipment, and a jolly good time is had by all.  That’s where I met up with retired Colonial George Morgan and his blushing-bride Leta (Pauley) Morgan. The Morgans were holding hands and swaying to the music.  They weren’t a bit shy when they told me they had been married (to one another) for 74 years. The Colonel started out in WWII as a B-52 pilot. Technically, they are Newcomers to Oroville.  If you ever have the opportunity to be entertained by Lowell Weatherford and his Mother Glenda, along with all their karaoke equipment, take advantage of it.  It’s always fun to tap your feet, clap your hands, or do a little boogie in rhythm to those western sounds and lyrics.
Speaking of music… Bonnie Lombardi and the Tuesday Group make beautiful music together at FRSCA (Feather River Senior Center) on Myers Street on Saturdays.  That’s a Farmer’s Market day. You can do your shopping before Bingo starts one o’clock, then store the fresh fruit and veggies in FRSCA’s giant refrigerator.  Lunch at FRSCA?   Sometimes Luceddie’s American & Italian Restaurant serves breakfast burritos for only $5. I am told sometimes lunch is prepared and sent over from Mug Shots or Coffee Diem. Other times the staff may prepare goodies. Remember, Bingo starts at 1 o’clock, which gives you plenty of time to hit the Farmer’s Market and/or do a little shopping before the games begin. Two of my favorite friends are faithful Bingo players: Maggie Maryon from Burlingame, and Margaret Dent, who has returned from one of her extended vacations. Margaret is a poet..
Have you been to KUSEL’S BIG STORE on Montgomery Street, across from the Municipal parking lot? It’s a big-little store chuck full of gifts, cards, candles &
collectibles. I am told it is a delightful store to explore.
Yes, there are many other things to do besides sitting at home watching TV. I am so happy to be out and about again. Why not consider joining The Monday Club. ( I did!) It’s an exciting group of adventurous ladies who generally meet on Mondays.  They are anxious to have more members of all age groups. Like FRSCA, they have a beautiful stage and do wonderful things for the community. The talented Birdcage actors and actresses love to play on their stage. Watch for more information.
Talking about the Birdcage Theatre… It’s time for their annual Birdie Awards Dinner! When? Saturday, August 18th at Western Pacific Brewery & Cafe, a.k.a. The Depot. Food, fun and acknowledgments of the talent and efforts of those who worked so hard in the 28th season acting, directing, and volunteering themselves and their families to keep everything running smoothly. Auditions are being scheduled now in preparation for the new season.  Each year gets better… why not buy some season tickets?
Oroville Downtown Business Association’s next general business meeting is 8 a.m. August 15th at the FRSCA building at 1335 Myers Street.
Movies in the Park and pre-show fun and games begin on the first Friday in August, at dusk, and will continue the next two
Fridays, as well.
Please mark your calendar and buy your tickets early for the 100th Birthday Celebration of Charlie’s, a.k.a. Tong Fong Low, on Saturday, September 8th. There will be Chinese Lion Dancing on Robinson Street, an outdoor luncheon, and Chinese youth crafts. Get your tickets early for the San Francisco White Crane Dragon Dancing, performing at the State Theater. This promises to be a sell-out!
Stamp Your Feet dance classes sign-ups begin Thursday, August 2nd, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Okay folks, keep your eyes and ears open for all the activities taking place in Historical Downtown Oroville in the next few months. Put forth the effort to visit our wonderful museums right here in town.  Let’s continue to support local businesses and participate in the activities. I am going to be out and about trying to meet new people and do some of things I am asking you to do. I recently took an acrylic painting class at Julee’s Left Bank Studio. It was a lot of fun. I understand she will be teaching another class at the end of August. If you want more information you can drop her an e-mail at juleespohn@live.com.
Before closing I want to thank Susan Blood and her darling granddaughter
Annabelle for showing me their favorite places to visit. And Nancy Riveria and her daughter Alex for taking me under their wing this summer. How can I forget all the other forks who have bent over backwards to help me recover from my own ordeals this past year: Joe and Carolyn Stava, Linda Peacock, Carol Kitchen, Valeri, Kiara and Dana… and each and every one of my neighbors: “You know who you are!”  Thank you for being there for me this past year, I truly feel blessed.
Sincerely, Della B. & Her Duchess…