Tags
Alberta, Calgary, Canada, caring, Carlson's, community, Diana Schwenk, High River, Hump Day Chronicles, life, living in the moment, rebuilding, repairs, Southern Alberta Floods 2013, Supporting local business
“I don’t think many people understand just how devastated High River still is from the flood.” ~ Rob L.
The above comment was left on my Facebook page when I posted this picture and somewhat facetiously wrote:
“I saw this deer in High River today. It made up for the fact that almost every store and restaurant was closed.”
Downtown High River felt like a Ghost Town when we pulled in on Sunday afternoon.
Granted it’s not unusual for stores and restaurants to be closed in the smaller surrounding towns outside of Calgary on Sundays.
But it was more than that.
There are quite a few empty storefronts along the main street with ‘For Lease’ signs on their windows.
And many establishments like Carlson’s Live Music venue are still doing renovations.
Don Carlson was outside on his bar’s patio working on something, when my friend Helga and I walked by and asked if there were any places open where we might grab a bite to eat.
He mentioned a few places and in response to my “Ghost Town” comment, began to explain how difficult it’s been for local business to get-up-and-running again since the flood.
“Some empty storefronts are even offering a year’s free rent on the condition a multi-year lease is signed,” he told us.
The flood that ravished southern Alberta hit in June 2013.
Here in Calgary, although there is still some evidence of damage caused by the flood, most repairs have been made.
High River has built berms and implemented other preventative measures, and business owners who can afford renovations are doing so, but many are still struggling.
Don invited us into his place. Renovations are coming along nicely and he showed off his new white Oak floor.
Don was adamant that his is one of the best music venues in Alberta and although he can have 120 people inside, he usually opts to have 90 – “makes it feel roomy and comfortable.”
And allows space for dancing, I enthused!
When I asked which genre of music he typically books, he told me there’s quite a bit of Jazz at his place – and I do love Jazz!
As we were leaving, Don invited us to ‘friend’ him on Facebook, thanked us for visiting and hoped that we’d return when Carlson’s is up and running again and other downtown businesses have recovered.
If you live in the area, why not connect with Don on Facebook here as well, to stay updated on their status – and you too can pay them a visit when they’re up and running again.
As for me? I’m pretty sure I’ll visit High River again to support Carlson’s and other local businesses.
I would like to say a special thank you to Don Carlson for his hospitality and taking the time to invite a couple of Calgarians into his place to share the goings-on of High River.
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
Do you believe in supporting local business? What is your favourite local business where you live?
Minuscule Moments said:
Diana living in a small town is hard for anyone to make an honest buck. I wish more people stopped and supported local shop where I live. i hope things improve for this town. I do try to support small business but sometimes they just do not have what I need.
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dianasschwenk said:
I hear you on that Kath. I think it’s easier for me living in a big city. I can get my meat at the second to none meats that supports local ranchers, for example – many specialized small businesses like that here with a big enough market to stay open. ❤
Diana xo
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Minuscule Moments said:
I use to be a city slicker and I thought small towns were so boring Diana when I was younger. not anymore. We stop at every opportunity now.
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dianasschwenk said:
me too, love the friendliness vibe in small towns. ❤
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Chatter Master said:
I do like to go to local’s more so than the ‘big’ places. It is sad, about the flood. I’ve seen ‘disasters’ wipe out small businesses and it is so difficult for them to rebuild. (My favorite local is an ice cream place 😉 )
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dianasschwenk said:
Mmmmmm I love ice cream Colleen. We have two small ice cream place that I love to visit in the summer – both make their ice cream onsite! ❤
Diana xo
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Chatter Master said:
Ahhhhhhh, we visited a place like that in Ireland Diana. They raised their own cows to start the ice cream TRULY from scratch! 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Wow, that is amazing Colleen!
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Chatter Master said:
Tickety Moo~!!!! 🙂 It was lovely!
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rachelcarrera said:
What a neat guy! And I’m sure he’s happy to have you in his corner as well. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
He was so friendly Rachel. I love the way people are in small towns! ❤
Diana xo
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Alan A. Malizia: Contagious Optimism! Co-Author said:
To answer your question: Absolutely! It is “Pizza Pizazz.” Great people.
-Alan
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dianasschwenk said:
Sound delish Alan! ❤
Diana xo
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Jennifer's Journal said:
I absolutely support local business, in any way I can. My personal favourite is the heritage village we have here in Newtown. It has tours, a craft store and a newly renovated restaurant on site which is open from May to January.
Diana, according to cbc.ca this morning, Alberta and Newfoundland are heading for a recession. Such devastation from the flood may not be a priority under those economic circumstances. A recession also hurts my husband’s line of work as he is in architectural design and drafting, and construction often slows to a crawl under those conditions.
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dianasschwenk said:
Love that you support local business and hope that your husband work doesn’t suffer too much Jennifer. ❤
Diana xo
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Jennifer's Journal said:
We live in hope. 😊 Hope your new job is working out for you!
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dianasschwenk said:
I love my new job Jennifer – I will write about it soon – thanks for asking! ❤
Diana xo
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Jean said:
I’ve never been to High River yet. So not aware what it was and now.
I do support local businesses: going weekly to farmers’ market for over the past 25 yrs. in any city where we’ve lived. We also try to go to one in any town/city that we visit as a tourist, since the market can give a local flavour of its food specialities, art, etc. And stuff is often cheaper too.
Unless we are in a suburb, we go to independent restaurants and cafes. Suburbs tend to have chains more often.
Some of the river banks by Bow/Elbow still look abit ravaged. It’s a long, long process for repairs.
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dianasschwenk said:
It was my first time to High River Jean, so I have no point of reference for comparison either. Calgary does still have some damage, I’ve seen it on my walks, but all in all, I’m thinking the bulk of repairs have been done. Would you believe that I’ve never been to a farmer’s market in or around Calgary??? ❤
Diana xo
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Jean said:
You may like Crossroads Market, not far from the Water Centre modern building. The market building inside has had a retrofit and new section within the last 1.5 yrs. More vendors. Best market in Calgary for loads of fresh fruit and veggies locally and from B.C. in summer-fall.
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Wendy L. Macdonald said:
Diana, I admire how community-minded you are–every town needs an influencer like you. ❤ My favorite local place to shop is the Salvation Army Thrift Store. My daughter and I like vintage stuff (books, buttons, fabric, jewelry etc.) and I appreciate that the proceeds go to help those in need.
Blessings & hugs ~ Wendy ❀
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dianasschwenk said:
I love that Wendy, and especially since you and your daughter do it together! ❤
Diana xo
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joannerambling said:
I think floods are one of the worst things to clean up after, not that I have ever been flooded out but it always look like a right mess to clean up on the news
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dianasschwenk said:
It is a MESS for sure Jo-Anne! Seems earthquakes, tornados, mudslides and Hurricane’s are messy too. ❤
Diana xo
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cyclingrandma said:
Yes, try to support local business as much as possible. Yarn store, bike shop, etc. Not much of an online shopper! So many areas of NY and NJ are still trying to recover after Hurricane Sandy– it’s important to support the businesses that are struggling to stay afloat!
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dianasschwenk said:
Good for you Lisa! It doesn’t surprise me that you are so community-minded. ❤
Diana xo
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Healing Grief said:
We had a big flood here in 2011 and the community spirit to get the locals back on their feet was so inspiring. The italian bakery and deli down the road is my favourite. Wonderful reminder Diana, to support our neighbours. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Sounds yummy Karen. I have a German/Swedish bakery/Deli down the street that I just LOVE. ❤
Diana xo
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markbialczak said:
This whole concept reminds me of New Orleans and Katrina, Diana, right down to the jazz music. My best wishes to all of those struggling to rebuild still. Thank you for sharing your heart and your soul, as always, to your dear Calgary area, my friend. ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
It’s amazing how disasters bring people together Mark. I saw that Calgary recovered and so just assumed everyone else had. So glad Don took the time to fill me in. ❤
Diana xo
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vanbytheriver said:
Agree with Ann ^^^ You’re one of my favorite locals ! 💕 Van
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dianasschwenk said:
Aww shucks, thanks Van. ❤
Diana xo
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vanbytheriver said:
My pleasure. And btw, I am big on supporting local business, especially restaurants, who have a tough time here competing with the big guys !
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dianasschwenk said:
That seems conducive to your personality Van – no surprise there!
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mrs fringe said:
It’s so very true, when things like the flood that devastated High River occur, many don’t realize the damage and lasting repercussions. When Hurricane Sandy hit NY, yes, most places you see on tv were up and running within weeks, but there are areas in the outer boroughs and surrounding tristate area that are still dealing with the damages. I’m a huge believer in supporting small, local businesses, they make all the difference in the tone of where we live, turn a zip code into a community.
xoxo
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dianasschwenk said:
I can still remember how shocked I was by news of Hurricane Sandy mrs f. And how blown away I was by a community rising up to support their fellow (wo)man.
Doesn’t surprise me at all that you support local business and community. ❤
Diana xo
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mrs fringe said:
❤
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Ann Koplow said:
Your blog is one of my favorite local establishments, Diana, where I live.I hope that I support you here.
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dianasschwenk said:
How sweet Ann – thank you, the feeling is mutual! ❤
Diana xo
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