Over the past couple of months I have been asked to participate in several luncheon fashion shows sponsored by different civic groups within the county. These shows took place in Lower Lake, Hidden Valley and Lakeport.

While it's always an honor and a privilege to be able to help support the good work that these organizations provide to our community, I must confess, however, that I came away more than a little puzzled ... and here's why.

My role in these events was to present apparel and accessories modeled for the attendees during the luncheons. This is certainly an amazing opportunity to showcase my merchandise, specifically contemporary ladies apparel.

The presentation was very well received by the audience on all occasions. Many guests would inquire about the shop and our location (Accents On The Lake in the Riviera Shopping Center).

Now here comes the puzzling part. When told the location, way more than a few responded, “We never get over that way.”

Now, I've lived in this county for a long time, and while the topography is no doubt unusual and sometimes challenging, I'm certain that any point in Lake County is closer to any other point in Lake County than it is to Ukiah, Santa Rosa, Napa or even any of the Northern California Costcos.

So here's my point: After factoring in your time, fuel costs, and wear and tear on you vehicle, why wouldn't you want to “stay local” if possible?

There are so many wonderful and unique businesses in this county that we should be anxious to patronize as often as possible.

If the Blue Wing in Upper Lake depended only on residents “over that way,” do you think they would be still in business? If golfers never “got over that way” do you think Hidden Valley Lake Golf Course would be busy all the time?

We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful county. We don't have to put up with the traffic and congestion of the big metropolitan areas. We can actually enjoy the countryside as we drive to a fabulous place like Brassfield Winery.

If you've never “made it over that way” you owe it to yourself to check it out. Not only do we have some of the best air in the country, we have some of the best wineries, restaurants and small businesses.

Making the effort to “get over that way” has a positive effect on our entire county. Here's what happens when you “get over that way” and shop local:

• You keep you dollars in our local economy;
• You help create local jobs;
• You embrace one of our unique communities;
• You localize your tax dollars;
• You create more choice;
• You take advantage of our talent and expertise;
• You invest in entrepreneurship;
• You may meet new people and make new friends;
• You consider the environment;
• You make us a destination.

Enough said, and thank you for taking a moment to read this

Anna Jones is “over that way” in the Riviera Shopping Center in Kelseyville, Calif.