Hi Everyone -
Home Sweet Home!
My family just returned after
traveling around Europe
for the last few weeks. While there is always a magical part to that kind of experience, I think the best part might be coming home to this great little town. A highlight of coming home was an early morning walk after a long flight the next morning. The sun was shining, the hills were alive as they say; I walked into downtown for a morning coffee, saw friends, and greeted all of the dogs. It is all so beautiful and easy. No wonder we take it for granted sometimes. I even had a spring in my step walking into my office that first morning back, because I was reassured we have something special here and that the challenges we are up against are ones we can most certainly handle.
I have been reading the posts on NextDoor and Facebook and hearing the frustration and worry in people’s voices as they lament about the many empty storefronts in the downtown. I am a little nervous too, but I think this is a call to action. More and more people are stepping out of the shadows and into the fray.
Our Chamber Board is expanding
, our membership is growing, our committees are working on some great projects. Engagement is necessary for change to happen and to preserve what we love.
Evolution is also necessary. Smart growth is key and we have experts in our midst who are advising us to steps we need to take to solve some of our parking and traffic issues. Be patient. We have had so many
Red Ribbon Cuttings
in these last few months. While many businesses are closing, we have just as many opening. Please visit them, say hello and shop. We would like to give a shout out and thank you to
the Council member
s who have helped us with these celebrations. The Chamber’s collaboration with the Town Council and staff is imperative if we want to see progress in these next few years.
If you have an idea of a business that might want to come to Town, please let us know and we can help with the recruitment process. If you have other ideas of what you might want in Town let us know! If you'd like to volunteer at our
Spring Wine Walk
on May 4
th
, let us know. The more people we get involved, the more unified we feel. As always, I like to reiterate that sometimes change and progress require compromise. We all have to let go of our personal agendas a little and really think about what might be most beneficial for the whole community.
Thanks for reading and thanks even more for caring. People do make a Town what it is, maybe that is why I love this Home Sweet Home so much.
Sincerely,
Catherine Somers
