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The month of February is traditionally recognized as a time to celebrate love. Often, our first thoughts turn to the romantic variety where we shower those we love with lavish gifts and grand gestures. It is also a time, however, to stop and show through random acts of kindness and sharing, our appreciation to others in our life that we cherish and value. All of these are important and special, but today I would like to focus on a different type of love, community love, the love we have for the place we call home.
Recently, as I scrolled through social media, I was disheartened to hear the way some residents described their community. Of course, there are flaws, and always room for improvement, but there are also unique and wonderful things that make us ... us. The most common negative echoed is that our downtowns are just not like they used to be. It is true, our downtowns are ever evolving, but we cannot waste our energy wishing for what was, but must refocus our attention on what is, and what we might become.
It is difficult to attract visitors, investors, industries, entrepreneurs, and new residents to our community if we are found speaking negatively and do not take the time to appreciate and highlight our positive attributes. There are many things our communities are doing well.
In season, I cannot wait to pull out my shopping bag and head to the Mifflintown Farmers Market where there is an atmosphere of excitement as I hear the live music, visit with friends and drift from stand to stand, filling my bag with produce, baked goods, and one-of-a-kind artisan creations.
I also love First Fridays when downtown Lewistown swings open its doors and invites visitors to grab a coffee and listen to live music, with crowds often spilling into the street. You can exercise your creativity in the pottery studio, experience the process of printing your own T-shirt and end your evening with delicious hand-dipped ice cream, all while building memories with neighbors and friends.
In September, it is all about Goose Day, a holiday truly unique to the Juniata River Valley. Thousands of goose meals are eaten by residents and visitors wishing to secure their wealth and good health for the coming year. In the fall, the Reedsville Apple Festival welcomes everyone to enjoy the bounty of the harvest with all things apple, and these are just a few of the things that make us unique.
When asked what they love about their community, here are the answers I received from some local young people. Addie (10), who lives in Juniata County, said that she loves living in a county where she can ride her horse and 4-wheeler and enjoy hunting. Emilee (16), from McVeytown, mentioned that she loves how people go out of their way to help encourage those around them and provide new opportunities for younger generations. Benjamin (11), noted that he loves that he can safely ride his scooter on the sidewalk and walk to Rec Park.
During this month that we set aside to celebrate love, as well as year-round, let's dedicate ourselves to showing our communities some love, be it in big ways or small. It is my hope that we all make the choice to accentuate our positives and work together on the negatives.
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." -- Coretta Scott King
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Rhonda Moore is executive director of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce.