Although it seems that I just finished packing up the holiday decorations and reflecting on the past year in preparation for the new, here we are with Valentine’s Day right around the corner. Now, I’m not one of those who has ever been all that into Valentine’s Day, as I believe you should show your loved ones that you care on a daily basis. However, I do think that days like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and the like provide moments of pause where the entire world seems to be fixated on love and appreciation (at least for a 24-hour period).
Therefore, I would like to use a portion of this week’s Chamber Talk to reflect on the many reasons why we love the Lake Gaston region, reasons that we celebrate and share with others all year long. In fact, as there are 14 days from the beginning of February to Valentine’s Day, we will share 14 things that are special to our region (7 this week and 7 next week):
1. Unique Local Businesses – Of course, we here at the Chamber celebrate entrepreneurship every day, and the Lake Gaston region is blessed with creative and top-notch businesses. Whether a one-man landscaping business or a large corporation, we find that our Lake Gaston regional businesses are invested in growing and supporting our region.
2.Hard-Working Non-Profits – There has never been a time in my life when I was not in some way involved with a non-profit organization. I am truly amazed at the active non-profits in the Lake Gaston region, making life here better for all via blood drives, toy drives, water safety, weed control and so much more. I thank them for their service and hope to partner with them this year.
3.Active Churches – What an amazing variety of church families we have in the Lake Gaston region! These churches are not only active on Sundays for worship but throughout the week. In fact, many churches are greatly involved in their local communities by supporting non-profits, operating food banks, providing youth activities, investing in the arts and more! We also want to partner with our churches and help spread the word of their good works around the region.
4.Giving Volunteers – The Chamber itself, the non-profits and the churches would not exist without a pool of generous volunteers. Once again, I am in awe of the funds that are raised, the playgrounds that are built, the toys that are collected, the weeds that are identified, the trash that is picked up, the people who are fed and on and on by these wonderful volunteers! Thank you all for your service.
5.Talented People – My goodness, where to begin? We have some amazing talents in the region – musicians who give us their voices and their notes, actors and actresses who delight us on the stages of our local theatres, artists who paint and photograph and sculpt and create images of Lake Gaston and beyond, speakers who wow us with their thoughts and many retirees whose skills carry over into new endeavors.
6.Special Events – We love the signature events around the Lake Gaston region like Battle of the Barbecue, the July 4th fireworks, the Littleton-Lake Gaston Festival, the Brunswick Stew Festival, the Holiday Boat Parade and so much more!
7.Supportive Media – Thanks to our local newspapers and radio stations for being so good to the region by promoting our organizations and our events and creating awareness of all that the Lake Gaston region has to offer.
Well, that’s enough love to spread around for now. I’ll share more next week. Back to the business at hand…or the Shop Lake Gaston 1st Business Blitz at hand! In preparation for Valentine’s Day, this Saturday, February 8, from 9 a.m. to Noon, everyone who can please shop at Lake Gaston Flower Shop with the lovely, talented and creative Terri. You will find something that your sweetheart will absolutely love! Don’t wait until the last minute to place your order for fresh-cut flowers or a potted plant. In fact, everyone who places their order on or before this Saturday will receive a 5% discount off their order! Terri’s shop is decorated from top to bottom with everything you need to make your Valentine’s Day special! Business Blitz – Lake Gaston Flower Shop – THIS Saturday, February 8, 9 a.m. to Noon…Don’t miss it!
