Small Business Saturday

So, you’re conscious, are you? I hope that you had a wonderful day yesterday with family, friends, loved ones, or whatever combination worked for you. At the risk of sounding overly sentimental, I believe it is truly important to take time to reflect on what we are thankful for (though not just on Thanksgiving). Times are tough and uncertain (and have been for a while), but focusing on the things that make you feel better about the world helps. (Look for our upcoming line of “Trailheads Inspirations” at a mall kiosk near you.) Anyway.

One of the things I’m going to suggest is taking part in Small Business Saturday by checking out the museum store at your friendly neighborhood Trails of History site (bearing in mind that operating hours vary—check ahead online or by phone). You can shop local, often you can buy locally produced wares, and you’ll be supporting the ongoing public and educational programs of the site of your choice. Think of it as history with a side order of retail therapy. Or retail therapy with a side order of history. Whatever motivates you, we’re thankful for your efforts.

Speaking of things that make me feel better about the world, I mentioned last week that the Arts on Fire Festival (held at the Scranton Iron Furnaces) had won the Hometown Star Award from the Scranton Awards for Growth & Excellence (SAGE). Site administrator Chester Kulesa sent me a photo from the awards gala—thanks Chester, and congratulations again to you and the entire team that plans and pulls off this cool program.

Pictured at the SAGE Awards (left to right): Natalie O'Hara, President of MetroAction, Inc.; Margaret Reese, Anthracite Heritage Museum Associates; Chester Kulesa, Site Administrator, PA Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces, PHMC; Elizabeth Nagy, representing award sponsor Pennstar Bank; and Paula Mackarey, Board Chair of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

I’ll be posting the December program preview next Friday, but I don’t want you to miss Holly Nights (Dec. 1 and 2), a long-standing tradition at Pennsbury Manor. Visit Pennsbury’s Facebook page to find out how to win free tickets to the event.

PHMC/Pennsbury Manor

See you next week. Enjoy those leftovers.