(An open letter to Three Village residents)
To the editor:
The identity of our area is built not only on our beautiful beaches and picturesque harbors, but also on our quaint towns full of unique shops and boutiques, skilled tradespeople, and great restaurants. These businesses not only attract tourist dollars, but also support the fabric of our everyday lives.
It is so important in these difficult economic times that we spend our dollars locally, to help these small businesses the way they have helped us. For years, these merchants have supported team car washes, band fundraisers. Scout popcorn and cookie drives, and countless other nonprofit initiatives. They have generously given both time and money for our popular annual events, such as the Candlelight House Tour, WMHO's Promenade of Trees, the Walk for Beauty, and the Setauket Electric Holiday Parade. In many ways, they make this community what it is. They are the Three Villages.
Other Long Island towns have seen Main Street businesses close, one by one, leaving empty storefronts. We can't let that happen here. I urge you, not only as the president of the Chamber of Commerce, but as a concerned citizen who loves the Three Villages, to please think twice before traveling elsewhere to do your holiday shopping, or to enjoy that special dinner out, or to arrange for home renovations. We are blessed with great shops and galleries, wonderful restaurants and cafes, and talented service providers.
Please, support them, for the sake of the vibrant, vital community we all enjoy.
Michael Ardolino
President
Three Village Chamber of Commerce
