It was standing room only at Babs’ Deli/Big Apple Bagels last Thursday on their V.I.P. Opening Day. This was a “practice run” to make sure business would go smoothly on opening day, Friday. As I waited for my bagel sandwich, I recognized a number of fellow bagel-cravers — business people, Anderson firefighters, and city council members and more. It felt like one big party in there, but business was brisk, the way it should be in a growing retail area. We’ve needed a bagel shop in Anderson — maybe more will follow.

A few weekends back, I went a little further south and enjoyed some traditional Cottonwood cuisine. My out-of-town guests and I headed to Vic’s Branding Iron for breakfast. As usual, the down home cooking and atmosphere did not disappoint. The other great weekend brunch place in Cottonwood, The Old Town Eatery, can sometimes entail long waits, especially when Sunday morning weather is 75 degrees, with blue skies and wispy clouds. My guests and I were too ravenous to do any waiting, so we headed to the auction yard instead. It, too, was packed — cattle in pens and people in Vic’s.

I admit having good dining options is important to me. Although I seldom go out to eat, I think of dining out as a privilege, which is probably a quaint notion. But the infrequency of eating out makes it all the more important as to the choice and quality available. As Anderson grows, the dining choices will grow with it, offering what is one of the key elements to the city’s future success — good eateries, good service.

Maybe it’s a sign of being spoiled in California, a land of many cuisine choices and fresh produce year-round. It’s probably a bigger sign of living in a country where truly we are blessed. Either way, we like our dining establishments, be they fast food, sit down or something in between. Being spoiled with choice has become a way of life.

Congratulations to Melissa Hunt, Anderson City Council member, who toughed it out in soggy conditions for her 50-hour fundraising stint on the roof of Mary’s Pizza Shack. Plus ONE Mentors is blessed to have such a dedicated supporter. Hunt raised $5,758 for the program and set a new standard for creative fundraising activities.