Happy Anniversary, CV Weekly!

Around the time this paper celebrates its anniversary, I like to pause and reflect on times gone by. Four years ago, I met Robin Goldsworthy and Mary O’Keefe for the first time. I can still see them coming into Mountain Rose Gifts and excitedly handing us their brand new paper – Station Fire, recession and all. It was the beginning of what has developed into a nice relationship with the Montrose Shopping Park. In many ways the paper and the shopping park represent a way of life that is being challenged by today’s fast paced, Internet-driven world. This is all the more reason to cherish the shop owners who follow their heart and to relish the feel of a Thursday paper in your hands.

It’s hard to believe it has been four years since I started writing this column. It was all born out of a desire to use words and photos to share the hidden treasures found in our one-of-a-kind shops, salons and cafes. I also enjoy introducing you to our storeowners and what makes each of them special. My goal is to eventually write about all of the more than 150 businesses in the MSP. Have you seen the Montrose Shopping Park Facebook page? It’s filled with pics that enhance the stories found here. Folks from all over the country can get a taste of Montrose. So often we get comments of joy from those living far away, when they see Montrose, their special little town, in pictures.

It seems as fast as we learn one social media a new and improved one pops up. This year has brought Instagram to the MSP. It’s for those who like quick pics rather than a bunch of words. Speaking of words, do you know that the CV Weekly has a fabulous website? Yes, everything is archived online at www.crescentavalleyweekly.com. If you want to look back at this column, all you do is click on the “Business” section and just keep scrolling back. All of the articles are right there for you.

This year it was a privilege to write about Montrose Bakery & Café, Walk This Way Shoes, Montrose Jewelers, Needle In a Haystack, Giuseppe’s, Joselito’s, Gelsinger’s Amber Road, Casa Cordoba and Mayhall’s Sewing Center. Now the big question is: have you experienced these one of a kind businesses for yourself?

A great deal of time is spent publicizing our many family friendly events. We want people to always have a reason to come to Montrose. This is the best time of year with Oktoberfest, Spooktakular, White Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Old Towne Christmas coming up. But wait! There’s more! Our marketing committee has all kinds of plans in the works. Watch for Boo-Tique Saturday on Oct. 19. The reasons to shop & dine in Montrose just don’t end!

So, thank you faithful readers who follow this column. It is always so encouraging to hear your comments. I always get a kick out of the people who tell me they go to the back of the paper first. Cheers to another year!

  Mary Dawson