New Activity--Must Be Almost Spring

We've probably all seen the first daffodil blossoms that always seem to be Spring's early warning system. But there's a new energy in Uptown Shelby that bodes well for the future here in the Uptown district.

I began to hear from hopeful new business owners this winter, about the time that those deep cold blasts were coming through our area. But just like early buds and green spikes in the garden, those early contacts have begun to bear fruit. Three new businesses have already opened their doors: Christine's Baskets and Gifts (On East Marion next to Winter House Deli), Ditto Consignments at 226 Lafayette Street, and Simply Sassy Salon in the Charleston Place building on West Marion.

Then we have Welcome Home, which has moved from the corner of Washington and Warren, around to mid-block on Washington in the old Cleveland Times printing building. Carla Beam says she has more space for expanded merchandising and her own creative work. She's diagonally across Washginton from Hi-Lites.

More are in the works. Simply Charming is a bridal registry and hand painted gift store that will open at the corner of Graham and DeKalb later in March. I am in discussions with an established home decor business owner who is working to create a new shop in the heart of Uptown Shelby, and others are looking at potential space while working on their business plans for new enterprises.

The Uptown Shelby Association has a New Business Incentive Program that provides technical assistance as well as some small financial assistance options. Our staff and some of our board members recently attended the North Carolina Main Street Conference (we were one of the first five Main Street designated towns in NC), and we all came back with renewed commitment to help new and existing businesses make it in tough economic times.

If you aren't yet an Uptown Shelby regular, I personally urge you to come on Uptown this spring and see how an historic commercial city center can pull together. Not every storefront will be filled, but we're making progress. More is in the works, so check this space!

And if you are looking for something fun to do with children or grandkids, don't forget the Uptown Shelby Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday April 4th. 7000 eggs will somehow be hidden on Court Square for children to discover with candy and toy prizes, as well as a few other special Uptown Shelby prizes. Grab your child and an empty Easter basket!

Slings & Arrows, Or Just Getting Old

It didn't used to be minor surgery, not when my Mom had her gall bladder removed years ago and spent four or five days in the hospital. But now you are in by nine and out before four, with some staples at spots on the abdomen, and sent on to mend up in short order. Well, the good news is thus: Cleveland Regional seems to come through with flying colors.
The bad news: I end up feeling like a geezer! That will pass as soon as I can go back to enjoying a Margherita pizza at Pleasant City later this week. No longer will I fear a sharp tomato sauce or strong basil.
And I can celebrate the last days of 5 East without worrying about robust garlic or olives. Thanks Chef Naman for reminding me that there are great tastes to be had in this town.
Thankfully, spring is not far on our horizon here. I keep wishing the daffodils would take a few days longer before popping up, but I know they will soon be brightening up things and returning hope to the landscape. Soon enough there will be time for over 6000 Easter eggs on Court Square in April. What will be the more remarkable thing? Hiding 6000 eggs or watching all the children going wild in search of brightly colored eggs? Co-workers have chuckled that I'm in for an eye opening experience.
So Spring is coming, and passing another birthday soon will be just another marker. That's because Spring is coming. I'm not getting mushy in my old age, but every year it revives me. That's why I had to get out of Massachusetts years ago. Spring always took too long to arrive, and didn't always do a convincing job of it anyway. I love my Carolina winter. Real, but short! Bring it on Spring.