CITY NOTES: Opportunities abound for those willing to take them

By Mark Wicks  |  Community Development Director

There’s a word I would like you to take a moment to consider … “Opportunity.”

The base definition of the word is: “a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something … a good chance for advancement or progress.”

Are you ready to “do something” that will help your community, group and quite possibly yourself advance or progress? Are you looking for something to do or a way to get more involved in the community? How about making some money for your organization or project?

Well then, “opportunity” awaits you, and all you have to do is reach out and grab it!

Opportunities to get involved, to do something positive for your community, to have a voice, to show people (and yourself) what you are capable of, and to even raise funds for a cause abound through the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Community Revitalization program. You can pick and choose what to get involved in from a variety of committees, some of which meet monthly, some quarterly or are specific to one special event or activity. You can work with more than one committee if you like, but I would suggest trying one to start out. See what you like, what works for you, and go from there.

I have seen new business and community leaders emerge from volunteer work, new friends made and big goals accomplished because even just a couple of people stepped forward and said, “I can help with that.”

Business vendors have profited from Chamber or CR-provided opportunities, as have non-profit groups who come up with a food stand or activities at events like Party in the Park and the Fourth of July Celebration. The opportunity to make some money is right there … someone just needs to step up and take it.

Is that someone you?

If so, please contact the Chamber or Community Revitalization at 401 North Main St., e-mail info@charlescitychamber.com or visit the websites at www.charlescitychamber.com or www.ccrevite.com to learn more. You can also call the Chamber at (641) 228-4234 or Community Revitalization at (641) 228-2335. You do not have to be a Chamber member to get involved on a committee or take part in the many special events each year put on by the Chamber or Community Revitalization.

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Mark your calendar for these upcoming special event dates:

• The public is invited to help support community beautification projects by attending a Fun’d Raising Party Nov. 18, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the North Grand Business Center, 302 N. Grand Ave. Tickets are $10 in advance at 401 N. Main, or $15 at the door the night of the event. Enjoy snacks, music and holiday socializing, all while benefiting a good cause.
• Small Business Saturday is Nov. 26 … “Shop Small” and support your hometown businesses while keeping dollars in the community!
• The annual Festival of Trees will kick off on Nov. 28, hosted again by Otto’s Oasis. Check out the unique holiday trees created by non-profit groups and vote for your favorite through donations left under the tree. All funds raised will go to those non-profits.
• The annual Holiday Lighted Parade in downtown Charles City will take place Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. This parade is free and open to holiday-themed entries but they must be lighted. Immediately afterward the Santa House will debut for the season in Central Park. Santa will also be available Dec. 3 and Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon; Dec. 17 from 11:30-1:30; and Dec. 18 from 2-4 p.m. Special Santa House hours will also be offered Dec. 9 following a Candy Cane Hunt in Central Park Dec. 9 at 6 p.m., put on by Hy-Vee.
• ElfFest, a retail promotion put on by the Chamber, will take place all day Dec. 3
• A local Pearl Harbor 75^th Commemoration event is being organized for Dec. 7. Watch for more details.
• The 2016 Holiday Home Tour will take place on Dec. 11, with six decorated stops planned. Again, watch for more details being released soon!

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Speaking of dates, the Chamber’s Community Calendar serves as a reference point for many people and groups planning their special events or things to do.  The calendar is only as good as the information updated on it, though … in other words, if you don’t tell us about your event, we can’t put it on the calendar.

Please call (641) 228-4234, e-mail info@charlescitychamber.com or send us a note at 401 N. Main St., to get your public event on the calendar listings at no cost. The sooner, the better for planning purposes and to help keep your special event from running up against unexpected conflicts.

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The Chamber is again offering the Holiday Cheer program to pair up families in need with those who are willing and able to give this holiday season. Application forms are available at 401 N. Main to take part in this strictly volunteer program. Businesses, groups, families or individuals wanting to provide a little Holiday Cheer to those less fortunate can stop into the Chamber office and pick out a filled-out application to “sponsor” and buy gifts for. They can either deliver the gifts themselves or have them picked up at our location.

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Finally, don’t forget to take time this Friday to think of, and thank, our veterans. Every day should really be Veterans Day in that we express our gratitude for their service and sacrifice, but at the very least please make sure you honor our veterans in some way on Nov. 11. The Charles City High School students will again host a public Veterans Day service Friday at 10:15 a.m. in the new Comet Gym. If it’s anything like last year’s inaugural event at the high school, it’s well worth your time to attend and a great way to show your support for our veterans!

— 20161114 —