Getting Motivated

I know I’m preaching to the choir when I say that it is tough out here. Listen to the news and there are few words of hope, especially about the economy. People are afraid of losing their jobs and we’ve gotten into the habit of looking over our shoulder to see if the Big Bad Wolf – aka The Recession – is going to devour us.

I am not immune to these gloom and doom prophecies, either – after all, the CV Weekly is 100% self funded and every time payroll taxes are due or worker’s compensation needs to get paid, I squirm a little.

The current financial condition of our nation doesn’t lend itself to motivating a person to do anything. Why take a chance on trying something when we’re being told – repeatedly – that we’re not going to be able to afford it and the state of the economy is going to crush us?

There’s a billboard on Foothill Boulevard that advertises a day-long motivational seminar hosted by big name celebrities. I’ve attended one in the past and let me tell you, it is a motivational day! I remember leaving the auditorium feeling like I could conquer the world.

But I am lucky; I don’t have to leave Crescenta Valley to get an encouraging shot in the arm.

For example, I was at the CV Town Council pancake breakfast last Saturday morning when a lady came over to the table where I was sitting.

“I recognized your picture from the paper,” she said to me. “I just wanted to come over and say thank you for giving us the paper.” Wow!

I can’t tell you how many notes come in from our subscribers along with their check for the paper’s delivery to their home. These pats on the back may read differently, but the sentiment is the same: we appreciate what you’re doing. Just Tuesday I received a really nice email from a civic leader in La Cañada who detailed all the things he likes about what we do at the CV Weekly, ending with, “My best wishes for your continued success.”

People ask – especially those folks who remember other papers and their demise – how they can help keep the CV Weekly chugging along. Subscribe! Let us bring the paper to you every Thursday. It’ll be the best $1 a week you spend.

Another reminder – visit our advertisers. These are the people that put their faith in us to get the word out about their services and businesses. Let them know that you read about them in the CV Weekly. And if your favorite restaurant, car dealer, salon, repair shop or grocery store isn’t advertising, ask them why.

In the meantime, let’s together turn our backs on the fear mongers, look at what motivates us and thrive.

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Speaking of things that can be uplifting, check out this year’s CV Chamber of Commerce recognition awardees. These folks represent the best in the Crescenta Valley, whether it be in business, safety, or individually. There’s a celebratory banquet at the Angeles National Golf Club on Oct. 27 and anyone can buy a ticket to attend. I hope you give it some thought. It’ll make you feel good. Call the chamber office at (818) 248-4957.

And for another fun event, stop at “Lake Glendale” at Verdugo Park down by Glendale Community College this Saturday. The Glendale Kiwanis Incredible Duck Splash is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thousands of little rubber ducks that have been “adopted” will race down a temporary manmade lake with one lucky duck bringing its adoptee a grand prize of $10,000! There are plenty of local nonprofits you can support by purchasing ducks including CVHS Prom Plus, Assistance League of Glendale and the Rosemont Builders Club. Visit the website www.duckrace.com/glendale and pick the team(s) you want to support.

A bonus: Also at Verdugo Park on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. is a family-oriented, dog-friendly event that includes entertainment, a pet adoption fair, pet costume and speed contests, food, bouncers and face painting for kids. It will feature police K-9 demonstrations and a chance to meet and take a photo with the Glendale K-9 team.

Hope to see you there! Verdugo Park is at 1621 Cañada Blvd. in Glendale.