It's "Friday Eve"...or Thursday for most of us! And what do we do on Thursdays? We peruse through the "NoHo Strong" newsletter!! And so...ladies and gentlemen...let's do it!!!

A Word...Or Two...Or Three...

by ds stringer

CEO

October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Yes, everyone associates the month of October with "Breast Cancer Awareness."

Everyone wears pink. everything is pink in honor of those who have suffered, and those who are suffering from breast cancer.

But the "ugly step child" to "Breast Cancer Awareness" is "Domestic Violence Awareness," which also is recognized this month, but unfortunately, not near enough. Most people don't even know that Domestic Violence has some time set aside in October to create education for and awareness of this curse.

But we know. Those of us that are victims and survivors...we know all too well.

FACT: EVERY SEVEN SECONDS, THERE IS A REPORTED INCIDENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

That stat is just highlighting the reported incidents...imagine how that data would drastically change if we could some how include the unreported incidents?

There are many, many more sad and shocking DV facts. All of the facts of Domestic Violence are beyond appalling.

Sorrowfully, the current poster child of the continued Domestic Violence incidences is Gabby Petito. This month, in congruence with "Domestic Violence Awareness," the Lifetime Channel is presenting the "Gabby Petito Story" to remind people about the tragedy of her drama and so many more of us like her, who can't find an escape from our relationship. Maybe it's because we love our abusers, maybe it's because we feel we don't have any where to go, maybe it's because we're scared.

Whatever the reason, we stay, continue to be abused...and then...sometimes the relationship does finally end...in death.

Oh...yes...I'm a twice survivor of Domestic Abuse.

I have been the CEO of this Chamber for the last seven years and in those years, in some form, we have honored victims and survivors of Domestic Violence in the month of October. The last three years (minus the pandemic years), we have been presenting the "Courage Jubilee" as a way to attract the community through great entertainment, and then throw in a little education and a few facts in the hope that we can spread awareness about how vitally important it is to destroy this evil. We simply MUST do everything we can to end Domestic Violence.

The "Courage Jubilee' Is on October 30th between 6 PM and 8 PM. There is information included in one of our articles in this newsletter.

We invite all of you to attend.

On behalf of the Universal City/North Hollywood

Chamber of Commerce

Dorothy Stringer

Dorothy Stringer

CEO

If you see something, say something...

That's not just a popular hashtag...it's a real command. Whether it be focused on gun crime, gang violence, or in our case, Domestic Violence, the goal for each category is the same...to save lives

You could save a life today, tomorrow...or perhaps, once you learn some sobering facts and statistics at our "Courage Jubilee."

But it's not all about just stats and education...there is some wonderful entertainment that we have in store for you at this FREE event.

Please join us in helping to make North Hollywood, the Valley, southern California...let's not stop ourselves with geography! Let's spread the word whenever and wherever we can!! Join us in making our communities free from the scourge of Domestic Violence!! Be there on Sunday, October 30th 6 PM - 8 PM. at the "Loft Ensemble" in North Hollywood.

Address and more information is on the above flier

Have you made your plans to join Gelson's virtual tasting series???

Gelson's is hosting their first gin tasting event on Thursday, October 27, 2022, with Barr Hill!!!

Must RSVP and pre-pay for Tasting Kit for further instructions and information. Virtual tasting event will take place on Thursday, October 27 at 6pm.

Cocktails to be made:

-The Barr Hill Bee's Knees (Bar Hill Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Raw Honey Syrup, Lemon)

-Classic Tom Cat Old Fashioned (Tom Cat Gin, Rich Syrup, Bitters, Lemon)

Your tasting kit for $89.99 + tax includes:

-Barr Hill Gin (375ml bottle)

-Barr Hill Reserve Tom Cat Gin (375ml bottle)

-Caledonia Raw Honey

-Liquid Death Mountain Water

-Bitters

-Lemon

Gourmet Cheese & Accompaniments Plate (serves 2):

-Jasper Hill Vault No 5 Cheddar

-Marieke Clover and Honey Gouda

-Sartori Rosemary Asiago

-Laura Chenel Honey Goat

-Cypress Grove Purple Haze Cheeses

-Served with Ginger Soy, Shrimp and Cabbage Slaw, Three Little Pigs Petite Toasts, Strawberry and Lavender Pie Hole Bites, and Assorted Dried Fruits and Fresh Grapes

*Last Day to RSVP is 10/23 at 10PM

Must RSVP and pre-pay for Tasting Kit for further instructions and information. Virtual tasting event will take place on Thursday, October 27 at 6pm.

*Non-Refundable Ticket

*Additional information will be sent in a confirmation email following your purchase.

Have you put this fun event on your calendar yet?

You don't wanna miss the

"Winter Wonderland Community Festival," on

Saturday, December 17th

9 AM- 3 PM at the Whitsett Sports Complex!

Check out the above flier for all of the info!!

We are blessed that so many individuals and businesses to date have helped us to make the "Courage Jubilee" possible...we'd like to take this "Thankful Thursday" opportunity to share their names with you and ask that you get to know them and possibly become patrons of their businesses...

If you are a member of our "Chamber of Commerce"...or even if you're not, but you're still a business person ( and in that case, why aren't you a member of our Chamber...lol)...anyway...today is the perfect day for all of us!

Our call to action? Let's get to know the customers we serve. It's no secret that customer service is really lacking...but it doesn't have to be. Use today as an inspiration to motivate you and your crew to take an extra minute or two with your customers. Even if you already do a great job...today, do even better and continue to do even better each day!!

You'll see a run on repeat customers whose loyalty to you will prevail no matter what the economic climate is!!

And before you know it...we're at the end of this week's newsletter!

A little rain in the forecast this weekend, but otherwise, we're in for some beautiful fall weather! Get out and enjoy!

Until next time...

That's All Folks!!!