Last week I was asked a simple question. I observe the answer daily in Hoquiam and knew it as an important aspect of the cities prosperity. I was asked simply, “Why does Hoquiam feel so different than Aberdeen?” The person went on to say that they felt that for being really one city, the two areas felt completely different. He said that he lived in Bremerton, and he stated that Hoquiam felt so much safer and more welcoming. I looked over at a friend from the city staff and we tried to answer such a simple question that we feel is so important to Hoquiam.
I said that being friendly in Hoquiam started decades ago with our forefathers. It was simply a way of life and they felt if you treat your neighbor with respect and kindness they will reciprocate. One grandmother who visited my restaurant put it another way. She said: “We’re born happy in Hoquiam”, after I said how I had been welcomed so cordially when opening my business. The question is, why are we still being so friendly in a world focused on efficiency and little else?
One reason is pride. Hoquiam has felt it’s share of misfortune and lost industry, but the city is full of people who get right back up, dust themselves off and keep on going. An example of this was the December 2007 storm. Our entire community was hit with hurricane force winds and flooding, doing immeasurable amounts of damage in a season that statistically counts as the most important retail month of the year. Add on to all that damage, the loss of electricity for at least 72 hours for most citizens and businesses, it was a trying time. On top of lending our neighbors a helping hand, we got right back up and moved on with a wry smile on our faces. This is the pride of being a person who pushes through adversity with your fellow Hoquiamites. Knowing that your neighbor takes pride in their community and that they will be there when you need them is of great peace of mind.
Another reason is our culture. The Harbor Art Guild elected to come to Hoquiam partly because of the cities vibrant area. Arts, parks and an environmental friendly focus help the city open up to allow different aspects of our culture to shine. With our beautiful waterfronts, wildlife refuges and being a Tree City USA, Hoquiam is just a more inspiring place to live.
Another theory is that it must be in the water. For some reason our water must get extra love and minerals as it travels to our faucets, or at least that is what we like to think. No matter what the reason, being a non-biased, newly local resident, Hoquiam genuinely cares about it’s residents. I just wanted to say that we need to keep our city friendly and find ways to make people feel more welcome and excited about our beautiful area and diverse offerings.
Stay friendly Hoquiam and keep those smiles ready!
