When I was a kid my mother used to cut out these single-frame, black and white cartoons from the newspaper depicting a couple called “Love Is...” She would hang them on the refrigerator or a pin-board, or I’d find them in my lunch box or beside my cereal bowl in the morning. My father received them too, of course, because the messages were about love. Love is... taking one day at a time / Love is... laughing too hard at his jokes / Love is... when two hearts beat as one. Started in the 1960s, the Love Is comic strip began as sweet little love notes from Kim Grove, a New Zealand cartoonist, to her future husband, Roberto Casali.1 The cartoons, written and drawn by Bill Asprey, have touched millions of relationships for over 50 years.
These little cartoons inspired me as I pondered the Town of Southbury.
Southbury is... community. Newcomer or life-long residents alike recognize the sense of community this town has.
Southbury is... history. Last year’s 350th Anniversary celebration highlighted the town’s rich history.
Southbury is... faithful. Whether inside or outside the many houses of worship, people live their faith here.
Southbury is... brave. From our veterans to our first-responders, Southbury is a town of heroes.
Southbury is... farming. From its roots, this town has a rich agricultural history.
Southbury is... business. Southbury has earned a reputation as the destination to open a business.
Southbury is... service. Southbury is a town run on volunteers.
Southbury is... fun. From restaurants, parks, sports, music, and movies, to events every weekend.
Southbury is... well-educated. Our schools are a primary reason families choose to live here.
Southbury is... the one and only. The only town in the US with this name!
Southbury is... accessible. Four exits off I-84, between cities, make the town easy to reach.
Southbury is... well-planned. An award-winning streetscape, with meticulous attention to detail.
Southbury is... growing. It’s no surprise why people want to work, play and live here.
Southbury is... _____________. What would you put in the blank? What is Southbury... to you?
Let me know and I’ll share your sentiments (anonymously if you prefer). E-mail me at EcoDevDirector@southbury-ct.gov.
Kevin Bielmeier
Economic Development Director
Town of Southbury
EcoDevDirector@southbury-ct.gov
(203) 262-0683
[This article first appeared in Southbury Neighbors magazine.]
References
- The official website devoted to these cartoons: https://www.loveiscartoon.com.
Credit: www.loveiscartoon.com