Capt’n Jim’s “Coffee Talk” Nov. 17: “This Year Let’s Think About Buying AND Giving LOCAL”

From the office of Harford County Councilman Jim McMahan:

READ TO THE END PLEASE

THIS SATURDAY IS SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS DAY

Nov 20 Pancake Supper from 4 to 7 PM to benefit Job’s Daughters Chapter in Bel Air. Held at Mt Ararat Lodge 136 East Gordon St Bel Air for more information call 410 592 9363

Dec. 3, Christmas Street in Aberdeen. For more than 30 years Christmas street has marked the arrival of the Holiday Sreason in Harford County. Parade starts at 3 PM

Dec 3 SSO Holiday Concert -7:30 p.m. Bel Air High School Auditorium. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO www.ssorchestra.org

Dec 4 Christmas Parade Downtown Bel Air – After the parade join the fun in Shamrock Park with a tree lighting and refreshments. Festivities begin at 4 PM with a parade on Main Street

Dec 4 Bel Air Community Chorus Christmas Concert 7 PM Bel Air High School Auditorium

Dec 16 17 18 “CHRISTMAS AT THE LIRIODENDRON” Visit this beautiful turn of the century Mansion decorated in elegant turn of the century style. Model train displays, decorated trees, craft sales and more.

This year let’s think about Buying AND Giving LOCAL.

A gift certificate from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? Car detailed?
Think about a gift like getting the driveway sealed, or the lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway cleared of snow every time it snows, or golf at the driving range.
Locally owned restaurants offer gift certificates.
Your favorite bakery or bagel shop is an idea also.
Who couldn’t use an oil change gift certificate?
Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I know I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
You could call upon my young friend Ben for an appointment to help Dad clean and organize the basement or garage during the winter.
Plan your holiday outings at local restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.
How about a subscription to the Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra or donating an instrument in a loved one’s name. Musicians need love too.
Find a venue showcasing our local Bel Air Community Band and Bel Air Community Chorus. A gift to these cultural groups in the name of a family member makes a great gift that will continue to give for a longtime.

Honestly, folks do you REALLY need another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house?
Think about a tidy envelope (cash) for the mailman, trash guys or the milk man!(?)
Christmas is now caring about US, (U.S.) encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams.

THIS should be the new American Christmas tradition. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that really the true meaning of Christmas!

A little editorial from Capt’n Jim