I never thought I would be the one wishing to hear the old familiar song Jingle Bells, especially in early November, but here we are. It has been a long week and I admit I am wishing hard. May the sound of those bells cancel out the noise from this crazy election, may it ease our anxiety and fears about this pandemic and may it give us hope in knowing that 2020 is coming to its end. Turn it up everyone and be grateful and celebrate.
Los Gatans - we really do have lots to celebrate this holiday season, so let’s not take what we have for granted and let’s get on with the party! Los Gatos in Lights will brighten up the Town the week of November 19th. The Town and Chamber’s collaborative project is sure to delight residents and visitors of all ages.
The horses are coming to Town on December 4th. Book your Carriage Ride today. This 32 year old tradition continues to charm. We have plans to follow all safety guidelines. Come join for a memorable and magical ride through town.
We would be foolish not to celebrate the fact that we live in California where it is warm most of the year. The Santa Clara County health officials have indicated we will not see much indoor dining this winter. We will continue to be careful and cautious, but it’s California; put on those jackets and some warm socks; plan to dine alfresco and support your local restaurants. It feels good.
As you can imagine, shopping Local is more important than ever this year. As residents here, we have to look out for our own. The Chamber is making it easy and fun this year to do everything local, even Amazon will be running scared.
Be sure to pick up a Holiday LG Local Passport and start shopping and dining at your local favorites (starts November 23). After filling out the passport drop it into one the designated passport collection boxes for a chance to win a fabulous prize. At print time, more than 75 local businesses are participating.
The Chamber has partnered with a new local business, locale, to give you an opportunity to create your own special holiday gift box for yourself, a neighbor, teacher, client or friend. These boxes are filled with your choice of locally sourced products. I think this is the best ‘Shop Local’ idea I have ever seen and I have been working for chambers for a long time. Stay tuned for order details on these special holiday boxes, meanwhile you can order today from locale and know you are making a difference and helping your Town.
Be sure to remember our local senior citizens in these next few months. This pandemic has been hard on us all, but I think perhaps it has that segment of our society has been hit the hardest. The holidays will make that feeling of isolation even worse. Community, companionship and a sense of belonging are all they want and need. We have to be good neighbors, open our hearts, share, listen and be patient.
Congratulations to the winners in our local election. Cheers to Mary Badame, Maria Ristow and Matthew Hudes. As you join Council members Rob Rennie and Marico Sayoc, thank you in advance for leading us into this next year with open minds and thoughtful discussions. There will be lots of decisions to make.
I also wanted to congratulate one of our locals - Ann Ravel. You ran a great race for State Senate office. You taught us all so much about grace and about our democracy. Votes are still being counted, but no matter what happens you will always be a favorite. As Ann wrote in a recent letter, ‘our passion and our energy can be game-changing’. If you want something badly enough, make it happen.
Before I sign off on this beautiful warm November afternoon, I wanted to share a short, thought provoking story. This morning, I was out walking and ran into a friend. She asked how I was doing and commented how nice it was that the election was over. For a quick second, I thought she must be losing it. This national election is far from over I thought to myself. I politely asked what she meant and told her that I was not feeling particularly calm at the moment. Then she asked "Do you have hope for your candidate?” “Of course” I offered. She then said “all Americans have hope right now for their candidate” It is so true - hope is universal and we all have that in common. Regardless of who is named the next President, we will continue to have hope. Together, blue or red or in between, we can get through anything. We are going to be alright. I suppose she is right. What I found funny about the conversation, I really do not know her candidate is and she did not know mine. Maybe, this is what democracy look like.
Cheers to this holiday season. Get out and enjoy it as much as you can. May everyone have hope for the future.
Catherine Somers
Executive Director
