Page 16 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • March 13, 2013 Dear Readers: I recently had the opportunity to visit my youngest son Alex on a recent ski trip out to Colorado. During our days on the slopes, there was ample time to make conversation with people from all around the world while riding the chairlifts up the mountains. Predictably, most conversations opened with a simple, “Where are you from?” An overwhelming majority of the time, when I answered New Jersey, the first question was not whether I know the Sopranos or Bruce Springsteen. Most people wanted to know how I made out during Hurricane Sandy. I proceeded to tell the story of lost power and how everyone pulled together and we all got by. Many of the questions were to keep conversation flowing, but it was obvious that people were genuinely concerned. When there are tough times in other parts of the country and the world, we show compassion here in New Jersey, but often feel helpless as it sometimes feels that we can only have a very minimal impact from afar. It was reassuring to see that in other parts of our country and the world, people were so concerned about us and our adversities. The theme that kept playing out in my mind is that we are all in this together. When it comes times to assist a neighbor during a time of hardship, we proved that people in northern New Jersey are resilient, strong, and are willing to do whatever it takes. It brings me back to a theme I have put forth in all my columns. Shopping locally and supporting local businesses is what keeps towns together and helps to lay the foundation for this sense of profound character. There would be no stores on the streets of Wyckoff or in the shopping centers if residents and businesses only purchased online or went down to the big box stores for all their needs. It is the local shops and professionals who support the youth sports, the fields, and other local charitable organizations. Recently, I attended a Wyckoff Y-sponsored Blood Drive, which was organized for a local resident. The turnout was unlike any I have ever seen for such an event. It made me feel so incredibly proud to be part of the community here in Wyckoff! In other news, the Shop Rite proposal was recently approved. This was a long, arduous process that took several years to complete. Obviously, a new food store of this magnitude will have an effect on many residents in the community. Never can something like this be completed without some form of controversy. Having followed the process closely, I want to congratulate the township’s officials on their due diligence on a project that that was so profoundly difficult to complete, especially with several opposing law firms fighting over minute details. The Wyckoff Chamber of Commerce has recently set up an Advisory Committee that can be of great value to any new business helping to navigate the rules and regulations involved in physically building and operating a business in town. Anyone interested in opening a new business or expanding a current operation is welcome to contact the Chamber. We can connect you with people experienced in your industry or a related business. Call (201) 468-1999 or e-mail wyckoffbac@gmail.com for details. With the coming of Easter and Passover, the warm weather is sure to follow. I encourage you to make that extra effort to support both the retail and professional workforce that contribute to the profound sense of character that makes Wyckoff such an outstanding community. Jay Vidockler, President Wyckoff Chamber of Commerce