Friday, November 20, 2009

The Importance of Being Thankful

As the holiday season approached we all become aware of our blessings and our reasons to be thankful. Then we begin to consider those who are less fortunate, those who have less to be thankful for. We are so lucky to live in a caring, generous community where there are so many OHmazing service organizations such as Rotary, Kiwanis, and the Lions Club. All just looking for a chance to help an individual or a family who needs it.

You may decide (in the spirit if Thanksgiving) to volunteer for the school district, the senior center, or... Maybe the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce. These organizations need volunteers to give their time, talents and passions to help those in need. You may also share great experiences with others by volunteering at the Community Thanksgiving dinner or gift giving for the Soroptimist’s Tree of Hope.

Volunteers are always needed throughout the year at all our local service organizations and charities, so while you are counting your blessing you may decide to volunteer and be a blessing to someone else. For some ideas or suggestions on volunteering please feel free to email us at info@oakharborchamber.com.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Happy Veterans Day Everyone



Here is a photo of the new flagpole out at Gateway Park

Greetings to all of our friends out there enjoying a day off... Or as it may be, a quiet day in the office. Of course, we can never forget why we may have this day off today.

Today we celebrate our Veterans Day. The people of Oak Harbor had the honor to raise a new flag at our Gateway Park, due because we have so many OHmazing people dedicated to improving our city, and honoring our servicemen. It was a wonderful ceremony, with officials from the Navy, the city, the Shifty Sailors for providing fantastic vocals and local businesses and of course it was hounded by our wonderful media outlets, whom I am presuming took much more spectacular photos than I.

The Shifty Sailors are prepared to sing OHmazingly

It is always so fantastic to see how a community bonds together to make itself better. We get to see that happen all the time in Oak Harbor, and that is our charm. It isn't everywhere that would care enough to do all the things that we chose to do to honor our Veterans. I (as a new Oak Harborite) am proud of this city, and the things it does.

The flag about to be raised by Sam Bovington, Linda Haddon, Capt. Gerral David, and Beth Munns

It may have been fairly cold out, but the smiles were still firmly stuck on everyone's face... Especially when that flag was standing tall, really adding beauty to the already beautiful display out there.

This type of event, and day really makes you proud to be where you are, and I for one am proud to be a member of this community. I hope everyone took a moment to reach out and make sure that all our Veterans feel our community's love.

The flag flew proudly on a phenomenal day in Oak Harbor