Eating out and saving money: two activities that most of us love to do, but that don’t often go hand-in-hand. Economically, it’s been a rough year for everyone; but just because you’re pinching pennies doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun now and again, right? (We’d argue, in fact, that occasionally snubbing your nose at the sluggish economy is a good prescription for preserving mental health.)
So, in the spirit of getting some good grub while stimulating the local GNP, check out our “Cheap Eats” cover story. You’ll find profiles of 10 area eateries that offer tasty and wallet-friendly fare. From sushi to soul food, tacos to tuna tartare, there are plenty of options available for even the pickiest — and most parsimonious — of diners. Also, be sure to take a look at the accompanying sidebar articles, which outline dining bargains available at 10 other Valley spots.
After all that eating, a trip to the dentist for a checkup or cleaning might be in order. Recent research indicates that good dental health plays an important role in helping to prevent a host of serious diseases ranging from pneumonia to stroke. But many people dread dental visits, fearing that they will be as painful as they remember from the “old days.” Our annual “Top Dentists” article includes a list of more than 200 local specialists, as chosen by their dental colleagues here in the Valley. This cream-of-the-crop list includes practitioners in general dentistry, oral surgery, orthodontics, and several other specialties. And we review the latest high-tech products and techniques that make a visit to the dentist virtually painless.
Our third feature this month, entitled “A Resident Outraged,” describes how one Hopewell Junction homeowner became the Valley’s version of Erin Brockovich. Upon learning that her well water had become polluted and contained a toxic chemical linked to several types of cancer, Debra Hall set out to — as she says — “make a difference here.” By organizing and educating her neighbors, writing letters to local newspapers, lobbying government representatives, and staying on top of the Environmental Protection Agency, Hall helped her neighborhood get placed on the federal government’s list of Superfund sites, which (hopefully) will result in a more thorough cleanup of the pollution affecting her home.
It’s hard to believe that November is already here. And we all know what that means: holiday time. Celebrate Thanksgiving Day — or any day, for that matter — with one of our creative fall cocktails. They’re all sure to put a touch of warmth into these chilly, late autumn evenings.
Enjoy the holiday!
Cheers,
Olivia J. Abel
Editor in Chief
