By Bruce A. Love
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It’s a time for family, feasting, reminiscing, and giving thanks for all that we have. It's a great topic to write about. Last year, I asked my wife to write my Thanksgiving column for me - she has much more experience with the culinary aspects of the holiday. Karen crafted an entertaining column with useful links to Thanksgiving history, trivia, family projects, and preparing holiday menus. The column is now posted at blog.loveconsulting.com for anyone wanting to host the perfect Thanksgiving feast. In this Thanksgiving column, I decided to acknowledge and “thank” local businesses, merchants, and employees who give customers truly enjoyable experiences.
When we moved to Roaring Spring six years ago, Karen and I quickly learned that our house required a lot of TLC. Fortunately, we discovered Long’s Outpost in Martinsburg. The Outpost has become a destination stop for visiting family members! Observing the awe and joy in the eyes of customers experiencing the Outpost for the first time reminds me of expressions on the faces of kids on Christmas morning. It’s an awesome store!
After our kids started school in the Spring Cove School District, kind neighbors told us we could find school athletic wear at “the department store.” “Which department store is that?” I asked, being accustomed to having numerous department store options in the same town. I soon learned that “The Roaring Spring Department Store” is the ONLY department store in town. Proprietors Doug and Jo Ellen cheerfully “mingle” with customers and help them select everything from housewares to hardware to underwear. They also sell furniture and appliances!
Mountain View Market is a new addition to The Cove. Located on Highway 164 between Roaring Spring and Martinsburg, this Pennsylvania Dutch market is truly a marvel. I have never experienced such meticulous order and cleanliness in any food market anywhere! Last week, as we approached the checkout with three pumpkins that were destined to be used in pies, the manager told the cashier not to charge us for them, saying that he sees us in there frequently. Now THAT’S customer relations!
No review of retail establishments in “the Cove” would be complete without mentioning Bickel’s Surplus Store. Like Long’s Outpost, Bickel’s has become a destination stop for visiting relatives. With Christmas right around the corner, Bickel’s offers affordable alternatives to some “super store sales”!
Down the road from Bickel’s, we give thanks to Deb and Todd for serving up a great “cup o’ Joe” and letting us “have it our way” at one of the Cove’s local burger joints, but we especially enjoy our weekly trips to Giant Eagle where we always have a friendly chat with Cathy or Sue.
Each time I return from the big city, I gain a new appreciation for the friendly faces and greetings we get from local business owners and their workers. Unfortunately, there’s a downside to having so many great businesses. When I have to decide who cuts my hair, I have to choose between Jen and Kira at “Mandie’s Hairs to Ya,” Jerry Burke’s Barber Shop, or Barry Rodgers Barber Shop (Duncansville). Maybe I should just get my hair cut more frequently!
To all the great local businesses and workers, and to all those I did not mention, thank you, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
