Readers Write: It’s the season to support local business

The Island Now

 

In these difficult economic times as a result of COVID-19, it is especially important to patronize your neighborhood businesses. “Shop Local Holiday Guide” (Nov. 27). Do it not only on annual Small Business Saturday, which has passed, but every day of the year. In Great Neck, there are so many great local businesses which were already fighting to survive prior to COVID-19. They are within the heart of our main commercial artery, along Middle Neck Road in various villages from Great Neck Plaza to Kings Point. Don’t forget our other stores on Northern Boulevard, East Shore Road, Cutter Mill Road and Great Neck Road, as well.

The same is true with other commercial districts such as Willis Avenue in Albertson, Tulip Avenue and Jericho Turnpike in Floral Park, Hillside Avenue and Jericho Turnpike in New Hyde Park, Northern Boulevard in Little Neck, Plandome Road in Manhasset, Main Street in Port Washington, Old Northern Boulevard by the Clock Tower in Roslyn and Hillside Avenue in Williston Park.

My wife and I don’t mind occasionally paying a little more to help our local businesses survive. Don’t forget your cook and server at your favorite neighborhood restaurant. We try to tip 20 percent against the total bill, including taxes, year around. During the month of December, as a thank you for being there for us all year long in good times and bad, we tip 25 percent against the total bill. Whenever it is an odd amount, we round up to the next dollar. If we can afford to eat out, we can afford adding extra dollar or two to the tip.

When ordering take-out, we always leave a dollar or two for the cook. It is appreciated.
Remember these people are our neighbors. Our local entrepreneurs have continued the good fight to keep their existing staff and suppliers employed without layoffs and canceling product or supply orders. They continue to work long hours, pay taxes and keep as many local neighbors employed as possible. Many maintained the tradition of offering job opportunities to students during the summer. If we don’t patronize our local community stores and restaurants to shop and eat, they don’t eat either.

Please join me and your neighbors in continuing to support the Great Neck News and all other Blank Media Slate publications, including the Manhasset Times, Port Washington Times, Roslyn Times, New Hyde Park Herald Courier and Williston Times. Patronize their advertisers. They provide the necessary revenues to help keep them in business. Let them know you saw their ad. Stop by your favorite restaurant or store and also drop off a box of candy or cookies as a show of appreciation. Something sweet for the holidays helps take the edge off the stress we all face.

Larry Penner
Great Neck

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