This month's Eccentric reports rising meal tax revenues. Last month real estate tax revenues were higher than expected. Next year's budget should, at the very least, offer the prospect of modest raises for our town employees and avoid the prospect of heavy cuts in services.

In part this good news is a function of a reviving economy, slowly emerging from the deepest recession since the Great Depression.

It is also a tribute to the citizens, businesspeople, and town government of Middleburg.

The entire town is honored for the spirit and commitment of its volunteers.

The business community and town council are religiously committed to the appearance and functionality of not only the main shopping areas of the village, but all its entrances.

The town council moves steadily forward on projects to make the town "green," to make the town itself, and the fields and meadows around a "meandering trail" for the pleasure of visitors and citizens alike, and to optimize the effective delivery of town services at the most reasonable possible costs.

Let us hope that the underlying economy for Middleburg, Loudoun County, the State of Virginia, and the nation as a whole continues to improve.

But whatever the case, here in Middleburg, we'll not only play with the economic hand that's dealt us, we'll work hard to improve it.