Today we proudly introduce a new and recurring feature to this blog: Good News Monday.
I consider myself a news junkie. I need to know and understand what is happening in the world. Lately though, I have found myself tuning out because it seems that all that is reported is horrific violence, unthinkable crimes or political bickering. Thankfully, there are people out there working on solutions to problems or simply making their community a better place to be. Good news is out there. Too bad you have to look so hard to find it.
Two great events occurred this weekend where I live in the Roanoke Valley of Virginia. First, the 3rd Annual Blue Ridge Marathon and Half Marathon had approximately 1,000 participants running up and down mountains, along the Blue Ridge Parkway and through downtown Roanoke. Spectators cheered as runners worked hard for their “personal best” – the most important thing in the world to a runner. By all measure, the event was a major success. The second event, which unfortunately received less media coverage, was the Oakley Big Bass Fishing Tournament at Smith Mountain Lake. This year’s event had 502 participants. The winning catch was a 7.18 pound fish. I can’t even comprehend reeling in a 7 lb fish. Both events brought enormous economic impact to the region as participants and their families stayed in hotels, ate in restaurants and shopped in local stores. It takes a lot of hard work to pull off successful events like these. It also requires people with the vision to understand the economic potential. There are people who sit back and wish for great events to come to their community and there are those who make things happen. Today, we send congrats and thanks to the organizers, sponsors and everyone who made these two events a reality. You’re making a difference and bringing some much needed good news into the community.
