The Safeway in Middleburg has a long track record of both good service and good citizenship.

Despite intense competition, the physical limitations imposed by its site, and the difficulties of making changes in a town whose heart and soul lies in its traditions, its look and its "feel," Safeway soldiers on with genuine grace and style.

Its there, open for service, 24/7. It has long been a major part of the Town's revenue base.

It has donated food to Seven Loaves. It has never failed to provide a holiday base for Salvation Army Bell Ringers. Its people, management and staff have a longstanding reputation for service above and beyond the call to the the Town, its churches, its non-profits and its citizens, and all those who come here.

Recently, plans to accommodate traffic and improve public safety on Pendleton Street, destined to become the main access route from Middleburg's Main Street to the new Salamander Resort raised fears that the relocation of several key parking spaces would harm one of Middleburg's treasured local businesses, a bakery.

Safeway, it is reported, has quietly agreed to allow patrons of the bakery to park in the Safeway lot, despite the fact that Safeway sells baked goods of its own. Well done. Hats off. Beau Geste.