I admire families who work together, play together, and…

Those of you who have read my column in the past know how much I admire families who work together, play together, and support one another in their ventures. I must tell you that last week I walked into Pioneer Auto-Body Shop on Feather River Blvd at Montgomery, and was startled to hear, then see, a choo choo train traveling on a specially designed track that travels from the front office around the ceiling area.  Raquel Nolind saw the look on my face and said:  “We don’t have time to play with our toys at home, so we bring them here.”  Apparently John and Racquel Nolind live the life I describe as ‘perfect’.  They work together, play together, and bring their daughter, and toys to work (and family pets—Alley & Gladiator, 2 over-sized dogs lounge in the back room). Congratulations, you beautiful couple. Check out their new sign:  Pioneer Shipping on the awning.  They’re an authorized shipping outlet for Fed Ex and United States Postal.

Since this is the last week in April, I feel a need to back-track a bit and catch up with the movement going on around town.  In my last column I told you about The Depot Steak House and all the exciting things happening.  It’s open now and doing a flourishing business.   We discussed the Brinton family who has owned and operated The Hof Brau and that they moved and expanded their business to a new location, taking over Checker’s site.  I mentioned that Blondie’s, on Mitchell/Myers, now promotes Bunco games on the first Tuesday of each month. Now, you may not know where any of these places are at this moment.  But, if you pick up your free copy of THE SOURCE,  you will have in your hands a very informative magazine that will direct you to wherever you want to go in Oroville, and/or provide a phone number.  I use The Source on a daily basis.  It fits neatly in a basket next to my telephone and chair. Because I am a Newcomer to this community, I also find it handy to keep a copy in my car. Let me know what it was like when you checked out one of the aforementioned restaurants. You can send me a snail mail, contact me by E-Mail, (della@diggernews.com), or say Hello on Facebook.

The Senior Cafe, has moved, and is now located on Feather River Blvd., and it has more room and better lighting than the one on Oro Dam Blvd. According to Reba Morse, age 85, “The luncheons are great, and it is better parking. I meet my daughter, Glenna Gilbert, here for lunch a few times a week—that is pretty much the extent of my social life.”           According to  Manny Saiz, Manager of the Senior Cafe:  “We must not forget the purpose of the Senior Cafe.  It is Senior Socialization, not necessarily the food.  These people get up, get dressed and are out and about five days a week.  No, the meals are not free; we hope most will donate. There are a lot of overhead costs involved, like the rent and utilities. Today, there are more people understanding why their donation is important. I sure hope the program will continue for years to come.”

While I was hanging out at the Senior Cafe I chatted with Sharon Samuelson.  She’s the happy-go-lucky, self-appointed beverage server, who also brings the donuts. Oh yes, another familiar face: Diane Van Glider, the Queen of Line Dancing.  How I love watching her and her group at Gold Country Casino,  where we discussed starting a new beginner class of Line Dancers somewhere else.   Okay Diane, now that the weather is warming up, let us get serious about where and when to set up a new class of beginner Line Dancers.  By the way, Senior Cafe and Senior Center (FRSCA, located on Myers, where they play Bingo Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), always want more volunteers and/or participants.

This weekend celebration promises more excitement and fun beginning on The First Friday in May!  Oroville continues to live up to their motto:  THE FUN STARTS HERE …  There will be fun and laughter, music and dance, finger food and fun for all.  Check out sales items in every store and join in the fun the entire weekend in Historical Downtown Oroville.
Fiesta Days Harmony Showcase will be at The State Theatre Saturday May 5, at 7 p.m.  Tickets are only $15.  Annual Beer Fest Saturday from Noon to 5 pm.  Sample some of the finest beers and ales brewed in Northern California. Tickets $25.  Music by John Paul Gutierrez, Crash Giraffe, Furlough Fridays, Brothers Comatose.  Food Provided by Annie’s Asian Grill.  Where?  Centennial Park. It’s on the levee overlooking Feather River, and it’s a benefit for the Bidwell Mansion Community Project.

Grandma’s Mission of Hope Thrift Shoppe has relocated to 1351 Myers Street.  Almost Perfect gently used children’s clothing and baby boutique has relocated to 1340 Huntoon, next to Evolve Boutique on Montgomery across from Municipal Parking lot. Did you know that Ruby’s is back doing her stylish thing, also on Montgomery Street in downtown.

Two new businesses in Downtown, right on Myers:  Allen’s This N That, a unique Thrift Store, with homemade and commercial gifts, collectibles, and offering consignments.  Owned and operated by John & Jodie Allen.  John being a member of Disabled Veterans of America supports our local Veterans of Foreign Wars.  A portion of the profits will benefit the local VFW.  If you have homemade or clever gifts you want to sell, this just might be a great opportunity for you.  It’s within a short walk to Municipal Parking, and across the street from Coyote Clothing.  Also, check out the windows across the street—Feather River Trading Company is open for business.  They feature thrift, antiques, and collectibles.  Owned and operated by Mike and Tiffany Harness.  It will be easy to check them out…do it!  Weather permitting, First Friday might be the right time.

Birdcage Theatre’s new play starts May 4th and runs through Sunday, May 20. It’s “Leading Ladies”—come early and spread the word.  Please support local talent.  “Guys & Dolls” was fantastic!  Hope you saw it!

Please! Please! Please, don’t forget to show up at the 65th Annual Kiwanis Kiddies Day Parade.  It’s scheduled for Friday May 11th from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Bird Street.  I have attended before and have to tell you, they are so awesome.  I love it!  Also on Friday May 11th, Kent Family Magic Circus will be at the State Theatre from 5:30 to 7:30. This, too, is a lot of fun.  Mark your calendars to get downtown on the 2nd Friday of May, as well as the 1st Friday!

Saturday, May 12th get out to The Eagles early and enjoy that fabulous Pancake Breakfast, from 6:30 to 10 a.m.  The Gold Rush Car Show starts at 7 a.m, and The Feather Fiesta Days GOLD RUSH LOT will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1900 Montgomery, where vendors from all over the state will bring their goodies to entice you. The Exchange Club Grand Parade starts at 10 a.m.  After the Parade, head over to Soroptimist Park and enjoy the Art Display.  Remember to stick around for the Firefighters Chili Cook-off from noon to 3 p.m. at Lincoln and Montgomery.  Yes,  Mother’s Day is May 13th. Don’t forget to honor her and plan to do something special.  There certainly are a lot of choices for the entire weekend.

Well, that’s about all folks.  But before I close I must acknowledge Sandy Becker and her fun-loving family.  George and Sandy put me on their mailing list and sent me copies of their 2011 adventures.  Wow!  Wish I was there.  What a wonderful example of a family living, loving, and playing together. Sandy failed at being retired, and is now a substitute teacher in the Thermalito School District, where she worked for more than 34 years, and loved every minute of it.  (Excuse me, I am laughing out loud, because you and I have something in common … failed at being retired.) She claims they have been married for 56 years.  Unbelievable!  Thank you for sharing your adventures.  Please keep in touch.

That’s it for now …Thanks for reading.  Sure hope you keep writing.  If I haven’t met you personally, you can look me up.  Just follow the lady in Gold with the Gold Clock Purse.  I’ll be around.  You can also find me on Face Book.