A Time of Rebirth

With the arrival of spring this past weekend, there is an expectation that soon we’ll see buds on trees, seasonal flowers being offered at local stores and florists and warmer, toasty temperatures. I don’t know about you, but I am also experiencing a feeling of great expectation. This, I’m sure, centers around the distribution, increasing every passing day, of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The availability of the vaccine indicates that indeed our nation has turned a corner in the fight against this dreaded virus (though we’re not entirely out of the woods yet and precautions still need to be exercised). If you remember, I’m on the board of directors of the CV Chamber of Commerce and, in anticipation of the loosening of restrictions by the state and county, the chamber is eagerly planning events to welcome the community.

As soon as April 8, people can support the chamber and its scholarship program by attending a fundraiser at Alissa’s Ocean View Bar & Grill. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on that Thursday, a portion of every order – whether dining indoors, on the patio or using takeout (no delivery available, though) – will be donated to the Chamber for the annual Scholarship Awards program.

On May 6, plans are coming together for a virtual vendors silent auction from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Vendors who donate auction items, whether goods or services, will also have the chance to promote themselves and their business. Knowing how diverse (and generous) our local businesses are, I’m excited to find out all the things that I can bid on.

We haven’t heard it in a while so let me be the first to yell “bingo!” The Chamber is planning to host a long overdue bingo game on Saturday, July 10 (details to follow).

In August, plans are coming together for the Chamber’s Scholarship Golf Tournament (always a popular event), and in September is the Hometown Country Fair! It’s usually held in April/May but this year was pushed to September with the hope that the all-clear will be issued from the county and state allowing large gatherings. In 2020 the event was canceled altogether, so we know how eager people will be to get out and come to the fair.

Rounding out the calendar is the very fun 5K Pumpkin Fun Run (Oct. 30), which is calendared to coincide with Halloween weekend.

To state again: All of these lofty plans are predicated on permission by the county and state to hold these types of events.

Last week I shared some of the creative ideas that local non-profits have come up with to raise money for their organizations. Those much-needed dollars will help keep open their doors and, like those funds received by supporters, advertisers and subscribers of the CV Weekly, are much appreciated.