Hidden Treasures
Posted on Saturday, August 14th, 2010
Downtown Ladysmith.
Some of the best things in life are right in front of us and in our own back yard. I was on a cruise a few years ago and was on the Island of Roatan in the Caribbean. The island is about the size of Salt Spring Island. A local guide whom I had hired, informed me of a Roatan gentleman while building a septic field in his backyard, discovered a trunk of buried treasure left by pirates who visited the island. The estimated value of the find was approximately $4 million. I am not encouraging anyone to venture into the back yard with a hoe and shovel. However, this month’s article is about a different kind of treasure and one that is readily found in our back yard if one wants to look for it and seek it out. The treasures I am speaking of are tied to creating a stable base in our local economy.
I enjoy walking the main street of Ladysmith in the evenings and window gazing the shops as I pass by. There are many stores on our street that I would otherwise miss if I was in a vehicle instead of on foot. I love this little town and the sense of culture and history that I experience as I go for my evening walk checking out the exteriors of the old buildings. It was probably similar to the person I spoke of in the first paragraph when he looked over his back yard. It may have been pleasant to look at but only when he dug below the surface did he discover his “HIDDEN TREASURE.”
Our little village has many wonderful places of discovery where, by day, merchants serve out an abundance of personal and friendly greetings. Shopping downtown is often like going to visit the neighbors. Looking through the windows in the evenings as I have done often, I have missed the inner beauty of many of the businesses I have passed. One such store is Salamander Books. This little shop offers an incredible selection of children’s books that would be great gifts for any occasion. In a town with so many grandparents, this store truly is a hidden treasure to be taken advantage of. Black Door Decor offers a wide range of unique and varied gift and household items. The 49th Grocery is a large store with small store friendliness. So many stores to mention and so little space; so, I am going to stop here. I will let you find for yourself all the wonderful discoveries on a walk about town. Speaking of walk about, have you seen Rob Johnson taking groups on a walking tour of the town? I don’t know if Rob has ever been referred to as a treasure but he does show the best of what Ladysmith has to offer when he hosts the tour. So much to see and discover in such a tiny town!
Walking through the various stores during their business hours has opened my eyes to many of the “HIDDEN TREAURES” just waiting to be discovered. But, more to the point, these businesses are the first to be called upon when we as citizens need funding or sponsorship for any and many of our local projects or events. These merchants are most generous in supporting these causes and are approached at least half a dozen times a week. Do the local stores and shops always have the best prices? Not always, but when it comes to giving back to the community for all the programs and activities that make this town so wonderful to live in, the local merchants give generously and continuously. Most of the money we spend stays here, supporting our children in development programs, scholarships and special events. There are also tax dollars contributing to the development of parks, family programs and senior programs. In general, the overall spirit of this friendly little town can be directly tied to the efforts of our local merchants. I wonder when the last time the big box stores listened to the needs of our community and offered their support? What we spend in town comes back to us from the very people we support. The money does not go to some corporate bank account in another city or another country for that matter.
The Ladysmith Downtown Business Association (L.D.B.A.) offers Thursday Night Live. This activity creates a culture on the street on Thursday evenings offering entertainment as well as some good old fashioned farmers’ market experience. Once or twice a year, they also offer a free movie evening on the street that is unique to our community and great fun for the whole family.
“HIDDEN TREASURES?” They are all around us if we have the eyes to see and the desire to look. Shop local and support those who support us and maybe you too will discover some special gem that has been hidden to you. The heart and financial health of our community is realized through the support of local business.
My treasure chest grows every day with new discoveries around town. Summer is here and is the perfect time to explore Ladysmith and discover her “HIDDEN TREASURES.” To all my readers, “Stay well this summer and create some wonderful memories when seeking out what Ladysmith has to offer.
Submitted by Michael Furlot CSA
Michael Furlot is a local independent insurance broker and financial advisor that offers his clients not only traditional insurance and investment products and services, but also other quality financial solutions.
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It doesn’t cost anymore to work with a CSA but you’ll get a whole lot more of the understanding and respect you deserve. Feel free to contact Michael Furlot, Financial Planner, today for your free consultation.
Hi
Would you be looking for some entertainers for Thursday Live or any other special events?
Please check the News and Dates page on our website. We would love to play in Ladysmith.
Guy