[sea_n_ski]

Let's face it most of us are summer residents and spend a weekend here and there the rest of the year. We have always made it a point to do as much business as possible int he lakes region because we love it so much. I always fill up when in area. We buy things local to keep the businesses alive. We even go up to Mills Falls to do our Christmas shopping.

I just had the trim painted on my hours and the painter had no work. I felt bad, so I had him paint the main areas inside. Although it wasn't a big job, it made his day.

We always wait until we are around Meredith before we eat out or buy anything.

My point is if we don't support these local businesses they won't be there when we need them. Its got to be rough on the people who own businesses around the lake. Let's face it, regardless of what all the experts say good or bad, we are all tightening our belts and spending less.

We need to make sure when we support our local merchants. Spend the extra buck at the local hardware store instead of going to Home Depot back home.

This thing will turn around eventually. Until it does, those of us that are seasonal residents need to do everything we can to support the lake economy. Otherwise it will become a ghost town.