My Thoughts

If you patronize a local business and found something to be less than satisfactory, how would you react?

Shop elsewhere?

Speak up and mention the issue to management?

How would you feel if you knew employees knew of the problem and it was being shoved under the rug?

What if you knew it was a rodent issue?  This is a real issue at a business in our area.

What are Your Thoughts?

My Thoughts

I wanted to make this a once-a-month column.  It looks more like it will be as I think of things to write about or have topics I want to get out there that I feel strongly about.

In the past 2 days on Facebook I read a bit about how Port lost the Christmas spirit we once had.  The lights were one thing mentioned.  Another thing I realized was how it has been years since Santa sat on the square and talked to the kids in that little house.  How about Toys For Tots?  I believe that is also a thing of the past.  What a shame.  It seemed to be a successful event.  I'm by no means downing those that took control of it for over a decade.  I know them and they are very community oriented.  It's just a shame more isn't done until we lose something and then everyone says something about this or that.

(I want this to be an interactive column.  I encourage input, and will not mention names of those that e-mail and comment on a topic.  Ideas may be shared, but names will not be made public.)

I've seen recent posts on social media of pictures of the past around town.  What a place to grow up in huh?  I am lucky to remember some of what is posted...but saddened to see some of what once was before my time.

As I write this "Small Business Saturday" is being celebrated in many places.  What can Port do to take part in this?  I don't know if any local business is holding longer hours as part of this event.

Remember when businesses in town stayed open until 7:00pm or so on Friday and or Saturdays during the holidays?  Does that still take place?

To shop local and help out your neighbor, friend or family, do you shop local and ask store owners to order what you can not find?  Try it some time.  I, although it has been awhile, have done this.  Surprisingly, they are very accommodating in most cases.  Try it next time you shop local and are unable to find something.  Last time I asked, it was something simple - laundry soap.  Within a couple weeks they had what I was leaving town to purchase.  All I did was ask.  Granted it wasn't a Mom and Pop store like it could have been, but it was very much LOCAL.  Someone I know waited on me.  And it wasn't at "that big box store" everyone talks about.  And yes, had I been able to purchase the detergent at a Mom and Pop, I definitely would have.

Those are My Thoughts.  What are Your's?  E-mail us.

My Thoughts

It’s been some time.  Months have passed, things have changed, since the last My Thoughts.

What’s on my mind?  Quite a bit.  Let’s begin with Port Allegany, my hometown.  Have you ever wondered why businesses don’t last in our town?  Actually, any town for that matter.  Lack of interest in what is offered?  Lack of advertising to get the word out?  Location, location, location?

Some businesses along our Main Street did not last.  Some were a block or so away and closed.

What would keep you shopping in town, and not running to Bradford?  Olean?  Or farther?  I’ve seen a ceramics shop, “little bit of everything” and a coffee shop come and go.  There were others too.

In the near future we will likely lose our old theater building.  The good ol’ days will slip away a little more, only to be a memory.  The lot, based on current ordinances, cannot be built on from what I understand.  There is not enough land for the 5 or so feet from the property line rule among who knows what else I am unaware of.  Plus it’s on the corner of two major streets, so there are probably other issues.  Such a shame, huh?

The old Arby’s was recently mentioned on social media.  It, last I knew, was owned by someone with money.  So, why does it continue to sit idle?  So many options for that location.  Unlike many other locations in town, there is some parking available.  Again, money is the root of evil.  Why is that?  Why is the best use of something not considered, like in the previous paragraph here?  The almighty dollar speaks and people listen.  Instead of something happening under those with less money… the high bidder gets property.  And then allows something to fall apart or they tear it down.

Can anything be done about this?  What are your thoughts?  What business would you like to see in town?  E-mail us your thoughts.

portalleganyonline@gmail.com