While doing my daily grocery shopping at Cronig’s the other day, I ran into a customer I hadn’t seen in a while, maybe in almost four years. She said, “Lorraine, I’m so glad when I get to the Vineyard in June and drive past your store to see that you’re still here and still in business. There have been so many changes, so many stores I loved that are gone.” She then listed some that have closed. I immediately thought if I hadn’t seen her in a while, maybe those other stores hadn’t seen her either. Couple that with the economy, no wonder our Island stores are struggling or closing. So I gently touched her arm and said, “Laura, if you want to see me next year, then come in and buy something even if it’s a simple T-shirt!”

This letter is written to all you wonderful summer residents who have millions of things to do when you get here and hordes of guests to cart around — don’t forget the stores which you have loved and supported over the years; we need you now more than ever. Imagine if most of our Islander-owned retail stores faded away and were replaced by off-Island chain stores, or stores owned by people who don’t really live here. It just wouldn’t be the same, would it?

We can all be effective in preserving the Vineyard’s uniqueness and charm in this respect. In this quickly-changing world we live in today, I don’t want to ever say, “When and how did that happen?”

Looking forward to my 33rd year here in business.

Lorraine Parish
Vineyard Haven