Why is there any debate about whether or not we are in a recession? Ask shop owners in Middleburg and they'll tell you that things are bad and have been for a long time. Sales are down dramatically, and the surest sign that people aren't shopping is simple: You can find a parking place on Washington Street almost any time of day! Despite this grim reality, there is an easy solution—get out there and shop in your local stores. You don't have to spend a lot—a little will do quite nicely and will give all of us who own businesses in the village a little lift at a time when we need it. Much of the charm of Middleburg is that when you walk down the street, there are no big, anonymous chain stores that exist in nearly every other city or town in the nation. We're not homogenized like so much of the rest of our area and even the country. You also have stores where almost everyone knows your name or at least recognizes you. This personal connection is wonderful, valuable and important. As more stores disappear from our streets, we are in danger of losing our unique character, that ambience that sets us apart from the suburban shopping areas whose main quality is their "sameness." Yes, the price of gas is awful and many people are driving as little as possible, but there is a danger in this of losing what we have—and then the oil companies win all over again. The weather is improving at last and it's time to get out of the house, come into the village and support your local shops and businesses. We look forward to seeing you soon.