“Guide to Great Neck” (October 14) confirms why those of us in the know about all our great neighborhood assets choose to reside here. We can commute by Long Island Rail Road directly to Manhattan for work in 30 minutes. There are excellent odds of seating without having to stand. The Port Washington LIRR branch is the only branch which doesn’t have to deal with changing trains at Jamaica. The guide also reminded me why it is important that we also shop and dine out in Great Neck. In these difficult economic times, it is especially important to patronize your local neighborhood businesses. There are so many great local businesses within the heart of our main commercial artery along Middle Neck Road in various villages from Great Neck Plaza to Kings Point.
My wife and I don’t mind occasionally paying a little more to help our local businesses survive. Don’t forget your cook and server at your favorite local neighborhood restaurant. We try to tip 20 percent against the total bill including taxes. If it is an odd amount, we round up to the next dollar. If we can afford to eat out, we can afford an extra dollar tip. When ordering take out, we always leave a dollar or two for the waiter or cook. It is appreciated.
Remember these people are our neighbors. They work long hours, pay taxes and provide local employment. If we don’t patronize our local community stores and restaurants to shop and eat, they don’t eat either.
Please join me and your neighbors in continuing to support the Great Neck News. Patronize their advertisers; they provide the necessary revenues to help keep them in business. Let them know you saw their ad. This helps keep our neighbors employed and the local economy growing.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
