Auburn shopping center is family business showcase

Editor's note: This is the first in a series of articles profiling the numerous small shopping centers in the Auburn area.For those who enjoy feeding and watching foothill birds, have a yen to be creative with glass or want to enjoy an omelet in a comfortable neighborhood cafe, Highway 49's Victorian Village in North Auburn is the place to visit.The small shopping enclave is home to 10 family-owned businesses, some of which have been there for more than 20 years.Wild Bird Station has been a popular stop for birding enthusiasts for 10 years. Owners Roger and Carol Strahle started the business as an outgrowth of a favorite pastime. Roger Strahle, who participates in the Audubon annual bird counting, often finds himself dispensing advice along with the birdseed. And he frequently is asked to identify birds from photographs brought in by his customers.Bins affixed to the wall carry 14 types of seed for feathered creatures from gold finches to turkeys. The selection of bird-themed merchandise includes feeders as well as birdhouses and nesting houses. And Strahle is quick to point out the difference between the very plain nesting boxes - which are actually used by the birds for their nests - and the sometimes ornate birdhouses - which are more for looks."Cute little birdhouses are less useful to birds," he said. Crucial to choosing a birdhouse is the size of the opening because each species prefers a distinct type, Strahle explained."The foothills is a great place for birding because of the great variety of birds," he said. "There's a lot of water and a lot of trees for nesting." A couple of doors down, at PJ's Raising Came Stained Glass Studio, there was a steady stream of customers buying supplies and seeking information Tuesday.Owner Patti Johnson offers classes in making stained glass, sells all the materials and creates custom orders. She learned the craft about 20 years ago but has had a lifelong fondness for the medium."I fell in love with glass when my parents made me dust the curio cabinets when I was a child," she said. These days, Johnson focuses much of her artistic efforts on jewelry making. Her creations are on view and for sale in the shop. But she also fills orders for stained-glass custom work throughout the region.For the hobbyist who wants to try working with stained glass, she recommends her six-week introductory course, which includes creating an eight-piece rectangular first project.Next door is a one-stop shopping site for special occasions. Petals & Sweetes carries fresh flowers, chocolates, balloons, cards, stuffed animals and gifts. There's also an impressive selection of Jelly Belly jellybeans.The store has been there for 13 years, owner Trudy Harris said, and specializes in custom flower arrangements. It also offers worldwide delivery service through Teleflora. When it comes to creating just the right floral touch, the imagination's the limit."We can usually accommodate what people want if we have the flowers," Harris said. "Tulips are very popular right now, and daffodils. People are ready for spring. We're getting lots of requests for bright, cheery mixes."Two of the center's stores are focused on business services. Walker's Office Supply has been providing business supplies in Auburn since 1959 and has been in Victorian Village since 1982, according to co-owner Matt Anderson.These days, the business also provides wide-format copying, computer and art supplies. What gives Walker's an edge is knowledge of the product and years of experience, Anderson said. That experience comes from long-time employees such as Kathy Tadlock, who has worked there for 32 years, and Randy Mayer, with 18 years of service.Located beside Walker's is Superfast Copy, which has been providing speedy copy services since 1986. Owner Shana Taylor, who has been associated with the business for 10 years, recently has added custom T-shirt designs and vinyl banners. Customers can bring in a favorite photograph or logo and walk out 10 minutes later with it branded on a T-shirt.Hungry for a burger or a sandwich? Pappy's Cafe has been offering breakfast and lunch at its corner location for more than 20 years. Owned by George Apostolos, the menu includes 20 different omelets and some Greek specialties. Catering also is available.The restaurant has a longtime customer base drawn by the neighborhood-hangout ambiance, as well as attracting passersby on their way to Grass Valley and the Sierra. You can also get your hair done at Marti Thompson's Hair Depot; choose from a wide selection of wood and gas stoves, fireplace accessories and patio furniture at Bill and Lani Falzone's Hearth and Home; stock up on party goods at Balloon Mama's or spiff up your pet at ASAP Pet Grooming Supplies. Victorian Village is located in the 1100 block of Highway 49. The Journal's Gloria Young can be reached at gloriay@ goldcountrymedia.com.