Opinion

Dec. 6, 2011 — I can say I now know what tooth pain is, and I have some serious sympathy for anyone who has had tooth pain or will experience it in the future.

I have always been a believer in biannual teeth cleaning — the preventative type care to keep my teeth clean, white and healthy. So this tooth problem came as I real shock to me.

This holiday season, we once again challenge you to spend $100 locally.

Two years ago we began challenging our readers to spend $100 locally during the holiday season. With our still sagging economy it’s worth making the challenge again for one reason: a number of you have taken it to heart — and it has helped.

I just love this time of year, from the time spent with family and friends around the Thanksgiving table, to the countdown to a new year.

Even though I cringe when Christmas decorations start showing up next to Halloween candy and costumes, I can’t help but smile when I see peppermintstick ice cream in the store and when I get my coffee from a red Christmas cup from Starbucks earlier than December.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars because all the splendor of the holiday arrives on Main Street with the Magical Country Christmas between 5 and 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3.