Some seasonal thoughts: think local

This, the last week of November, 2018
brings to mind two issues we hope readers
will consider.

Say, ‘Thank You.’
Give a shout of thanks to the Clarkston
Community Schools district, administration,
athletic department and athletes. Athletes on
2018-2019 squads have already given locals
lots to cheer about — and the year is only
half over!
The Girls Cross Country team were
Michigan High School Athletic Association
(MHSAA) Division 1 champs. The Girls
Swim & Dive team made it all the way to the
Div. 1 championship competition. The Girls
Volleyball team made it to the District Finals.
And, the Boys Soccer team ended the season
as Div. 1 District Champs.
Also, for the second time in two seasons,
the varsity Football team made it to the
MHSAA Div. 1 championship game at Ford
Field. Last season they won, this past
Saturday they lost a heart-breaker to
Chippewa Valley, 31-30, in the final seconds
of the game.
So, to all you local athletes we say, “Thank
YOU!” And, we sure as heck hope local
readers will follow us in giving up those
“thanks.”

Shop Local.
Okay. Black Friday, Small Biz Saturday and
Cyber Monday are all over and done,
however there is still plenty of holiday
shopping yet to be completed. This year, we
implore local readers to give local retailers a
shot versus first driving out of town, or
spending your money at online outlets.
Local business-people are the only
business people who, day in and day out, 365
days a year, support local kids. Not only do
they pay local taxes (about three times more
for schools than the average home owner),
they also support local service groups, parks
and recreation programs, all school district
extracurricular functions AND they give local
kids their first taste of working a real job.
Mega malls, and mega online retailers only
take money from your community while not
giving back.
We understand not everything on your
list can be found locally, or for the same price
the “megas” can offer. We leave you with this
parting thought: What if there were no local
businesses? What would happen to this
community? How will local government make
up lost tax revenue?
Please consider shopping more local this
year. ~DPR

  editorial