Forgive me for using a variation of President John F. Kennedy's famous inauguration speech. I thought it appropriate that we substitute the word "community" for "country" for they are eventually the same ideal. Broken down to the grassroots level, what you do for your community today strengthens your country tomorrow.
This is also a question that Scott and I asked ourselves before taking over ownership of Webster's stationery department. Weighing the pros and cons of buying a store that wasn't really a store, one that was already in financial trouble, against the potential good we felt we could do in our community. We took this on not because we thought we were going to make a ton of money in the endeavor, but because our family and community needed us to do it. In whatever permeation Webster's is in now, at least we're still here.
If I had a dime for every time I've heard customer's say, "what would we do without Webster's?", I'd be able to buy lunch at Amy's Patio Cafe for 10 of our customers! We're doing our part to ensure that Webster's remains in the community, not only as just a part of our historic scenery but a contributing member of Altadena's community. That's why Scott and I , along with Ben McGinty, Molly Tierney, Steve Salinas, Lance Anderson and Jeff Kline formed the Altadena Arts Coalition. That's why I'm sitting on the board of the Chamber of Commerce and it's also why Webster's Fine Stationers supports our local non-profit organizations.
We've also been very active online and love helping promote our community member's businesses and other worthy causes. We've also enjoyed getting to know more of Altadena's residents as well, through our Facebook page and other venues, as well. We envision a time when all the businesses in our Upper North Lake neighborhood work together for the benefit of all and we're working toward that end. Until then, however, it's my pleasure to let you know (if you don't already) that Amy's Patio Cafe will be open on Saturday and Sunday nights for dinner during the summer. Lauren will also be assembling box dinners for your enjoyment at the Sheriff's Support Group's Summer Concert Series, commencing soon. Find out more information on her Facebook page and become a fan!
Speaking of working together, save the date of Saturday, June 26th, when Webster's Liquor and Webster's Fine Stationers will be holding a collaborative event you won't want to miss! This fun and informative mini-seminar on pairing wines with popular barbeque party foods will feature local wine experts Anne Bannon and Michael Holland, just in time for the spate of 4th of July parties on the horizon. The seminar is free but space is limited....when you receive your invitation be sure to respond quickly! More information will be forthcoming next week.
This wraps up quite a week of excitement! Last week we had a surprise visit from Tom Hanks, and our friend, Karen Klein, author of the blog Financially inKleined and reporter for various newspaper & magazines, wrote this article that appeared in BusinessWeek. We love that the shop local message is being carried out here in the San Gabriel Valley! Just remember, my friends, when you spend a dollar at an independent retailer, 70 to 80 cents remain to work within your community. That's opposed to only 20 to 40 cents on the dollar if the same purchase was made at a corporate-owned big box or chain store. Shop local and you'll find that stimulating the local economy has never been so rewarding!
Until next week,
Lori & Scott
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