Orland Water Babies head to the pool

The Orland Water Babies showed up in masse at the Health club last Monday to start their spring training.

It was a month earlier than the starting date of last year, but the weather was beautiful, and a new pool heater had the water about eighty degrees.  The Babies were in a happy mood and a few jokes were passed on.  The weather was perfect and the group were all excited, so if you with to join us "come on down."

The Glenn Chorale music company did a magnificent show in Willows last Saturday night and again in Orland on Sunday afternoon.  It was a special treat for we "oldies" with songs from the fifties, sixties and even the seventies.  It was an amazing performance guided by Tracy Quarne, Orland's County Supervisor.  I guess the group will be resting up this summer, but will be in full swing next fall to prepare for the Christmas program.  Thanks, Tracey, for your dedication to this special group of volunteers, and to the volunteers.

I still haven't found out what "rent control" really means in the life of a Californian.  Senator Aaneston's office phoned me last Friday and said they hadn't forgotten me, but they did not yet have the information I requested.  At the time of typing this column I have not heard back from them, but as soon as they respond I'll pass it on.  Up to now every person I have asked about this problem have a different answer.  I still don't know whether to vote for Proposition 98 or Proposition 99.  With less than  month to go before the elections, I guess I'd better get on the ball.

Have you heard the saying "Toes, toes, toes  to twiddle; two big fat ones sitting in the middle"?  I have heard about Diddle, diddle Dumpling, my son John, and To market, to market, to buy a fat pig, but twiddling the toes is new to me.  Maybe I'm just getting too old to keep up with the young'uns nowadays.

At Monday night's Orland Council meeting I understand that they combined the Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Departments into one group called Community Services under the  direction of Nancy Sailsbury.  I guess there isn't too much building going on right now, so maybe this will work.  If we could just get some commercial businesses to come to Orland, maybe we would grow a little more in the commercial field.  I remember once when we had five grocery stores, two ladies dress shops, two men's clothing stores, three lumber yards and even a partridge in a pear tree.

I forgot the two "ten cent" stores, Sprouse Reitz and the Old Variety Store.  Currently the Glenn County Transit Commission is busy trying to assess the transit needs for our County.  We have buses that make several round trips a day to Chico, Taxis both in Orland and Willows six days a week, and the Volunteer Driver Program where reservations can be made to take the elderly and the sick to the hospital or to a doctor for treatment.  But, the one thing we don't have is Sunday transportation for the disabled and the elderly.  The Committee needs some input from members of our communities to let them know their Sunday needs for transportation.  I realize that some churches are able to furnish transportation for their members on Sunday, but many churches cannot do that.  So, if you have needs yourself or, if your church has needs, please call Peggy White at the Planning Department in Willows and let her know what some of the needs are.

Often there are Sunday afternoon and/or evening performances to which the elderly could go if they had transportation, but, it won't happen, if those of us in need don't tell the powers that be.  The telephone number for the Planning Department in Willows is 934-6540.   Don't just sit at home and brood about your inability to attend special events on the weekend.  Pick up that phone and call Peggy.

Please don't forget Mothers' Day this coming Sunday.  There is still plenty of time to buy Mom something special, or take her out for breakfast, lunch or dinner or all three to spend a little special time with her.  After all, you wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her, so show your appreciation.  And, don't forget that the Glenn County Fair will be starting on Wednesday May 14.  The theme this year sounds a little different.  I understand a little girl suggested the title which is "Critters, Squeals and Ferris Wheels."  Meet me at the Fair!