Be Local when celebrating Galentine’s Day
Galentine’s Day is gaining momentum.
Premiered on an 2010 episode of the television series “Parks and Rec,” character Leslie Knope, played by “Saturday Night Live” alum Amy Poehler, introduced Galentine’s Day to the world as she showered her friends with gifts at a special brunch on Feb. 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. Knope explained Galentine’s Day is a day for “ladies celebrating ladies.”
Be Local means ladies taking time to celebrate their female friends on what Knope calls “the best day of the year!”
That can include friends purchasing thoughtful gifts for each other, enjoying a meal out together or heading to an area spa or taking in an exhibit at a museum. Don’t forget outdoor activities, such as skiing and sledding at parks and resorts.
And all of it can be done in this area.
Melody Longstreth, executive director of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce, commented, “Ladies do not have to go far to experience some wonderful pampering as Greene County has a multitude of talented hair stylists, manicurists and a growing number of businesses who offer massages, facials, and holistic treatments. In addition, there are several wonderful gift shops in the area, along with a candy shop and a winery all within the county limits.”
Brooke Deason, manager at the Greater Connellsville Chamber of Commerce, observed, “I think it is a great idea for ladies, and a great opportunity for small businesses.”
Deason noted local businesses are running specials for Valentine’s Day that could be incorporated into a Galentine’s Day celebration, such as Ruvo’s Italian Restaurant and FitFam Studio.
“There are many places they could celebrate at,” said Deason. “Dinner and drinks at any number of places in town, Buds, Keedy’s, Kickstand, or El Canelo. The Cobblestone would be a great getaway for a local staycation. Stay inside and warm up at the bar area or by the fireplace before taking a swim.”
Gina Lynn, executive director of Greater Rostraver Chamber, pointed out, “There are many ways to enjoy a Local Galentine’s Day this year. Invite a girlfriend for a day of pampering at a locally owned spa or salon where you can indulge in manicures, pedicures, facials or massages. A trip to a locally winery would be a fun girls day adventure as well, and we have several in our immediate area. Of course, lunch or dinner at an independently owned restaurant is a great way to enjoy the company of a good friend, and don’t forget enjoy dessert.”
Lynn continued, “If you both are short on time, grabbing a hot beverage at the local coffee shop is sometimes the best way to catch up and enjoy an hour of laughs and good conversation.”
She advised, “You can also find an activity that you both enjoy or are curious to try. A pottery or painting class, try your hand at the latest axe throwing craze or enjoy the day in the fresh air skiing or sledding at one of the areas’ many ski resorts or local parks.”
And those interested in something more serious may want to attend Fayette Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming luncheon for Fayette Women’s Net at noon Feb. 22 at the Firehouse Restaurant, 311 Laurel Drive, Connellsville. Cost is $15 for Fayette Chamber member and $30 for non-members. Prepayment is required. More information is available at 724-437-4571.
Sponsored by Chestnut Ridge Counselling Services Inc., the luncheon will feature guest speakers Dr. Melissa Cirulli, staff psychiatrist, and Kelly Harwood, clinical manager of outpatient therapy, training and development, who will discuss eating disorders and when to seek help.
Muriel Nuttall, executive director of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, explained, “We’re in our third year for the Women’s Net events. We have businesses that host luncheon events focused on women’s issues. We hold them every six or eight weeks throughout the year. They are designed to be fun, relaxing, educational, networking events.”
So whether taking in something serious or simply having fun, there are many ways throughout the area to observe Galentine’s Day, which is the celebration of friendships.
Those interested in joining the Be Local Network can contact Ted Flowers at 724-425-7231 or by email at tflowers@heraldstandard.com. Discount cards are available at the Herald-Standard, 8 E. Church St., Uniontown, and at the Greene County Messenger, 32 Church St., Waynesburg.