Clang, Clang, hey, is
that the Hometown Trolley? If you saw the little Trolley tooling along in
Groovy Grove this week, you might wonder what was up. Remember our Trolley made
its way to Miami for casino runs, and then back to Grove, where it is owned by
Grove Public Schools. They use it as special transportation for short runs for
rewards. We appreciate when the school
lets us hire it for touring one of our favorite places, our own backyard.
Perhaps you are working on a smirk right now that echo's your thoughts of
"Why would anyone want to tour their hometown?" I can answer with
confidence the more you learn about an area, the more you take ownership of it.
We hear stories about
the people whose names grace buildings. Do you ever wonder who they are and why
their names are on walls, streets, and signs? We reflect back on the history of
our area, what drew the folks here, and why they stayed. Businesses have come
and gone and, if only the walls could talk… But, they can't. So we tell their
tales. We meet our hometown heroes, our firemen and police officers, and take a
behind the scenes look at where they report. We are always impressed with the
volume of calls and runs that these city employees do to protect its citizens.
It's good to be
reminded of what our local businesses offer. Remember these are the brick and mortar
companies that all the school kids hit up to sponsor ads in football programs,
and yearbooks, and calendars. Besides the schools, every organization that does
good, goes expectantly to the local firms and asks for prizes and donations.
Banks and insurance agencies get hit hard to be a part of everyone's project.
I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, I'm just reminding you
that the extra dollars you may spend at a home town business may not feel like
the best bargain, but they pass it on to groups in YOUR community. Chances are
high you will benefit from their contributions in the long run. Try to shop
local as much as you can, to invest in your own city.
I encourage you make
this the summer you go to local attractions. Pack a picnic basket and spend
some time enjoying this corner of the world. Many of you were drawn here by the
outdoor beauty; I hope you are making time to get outdoors! Patronize local restaurants.
Promise yourself the next time you head into town, you won't drive past that place
you have been saying you need to try. Try it! Call you Chamber of Commerce and
ask about local services that you might not even be aware of that you might
utilize.
Welcome our tourists
and visitors. Show them small town hospitality at its best. Not only will they
want to return, but keep in mind, so many visitors become residents after a few
years. That may be way you got here!
