Bootstraps are great, but a little help from a friend (or two, or three, or more) is even better.

One of Middleburg's newest business owners recently suggested that we each adopt three local businesses we would REALLY like to see succeed . . . and make a commitment to shop there at least once a month and spend at least $50 with each . . . and more if you can.

For those of us who can't bear to pick just three, just change the list every month.

We're a small town, and it helps us all if we support each other: both by shopping locally and by knowing where to send people who love the town but may not know just where to find what they're looking for.

There must be a better way.