It's Easy To Complain, But Let's Be Grateful For What We Have Here in Port

It's always far easier to complain than to appreciate the good. While Port Washington is far from perfect, and many of us complain about some of those imperfections including governmental, traffic, taxes, etc., wouldn't it be nice to take a moment to sit back and appreciate what we have.

1. Every time we go away on vacation, we "ooh and aah" about how beautiful the scenery or view is there. However, take a moment, and sit by the water at Town Dock, or at Louie's or La Motta's, etc., and take in how beautiful the view, and living in a waterfront community is. Or sit in the Library Reading room and look out, or at Mediterranean Marketplace.

2. For those of us who enjoy golf, there are very few public courses as nice as Harbor Links. The Town of North Hempstead made the wise decision (yes, occasionally the Town does) to permit professionals to oversee and run the operation and maintenance (Arnold Palmer Golf), and it is maintained as well as nearly any private club. Both the big course and the Executive Course are challenging, and the driving range is ample sized. Even the golf professionals are first class!

3. While everywhere has been adversely impacted by this economy, although Port's housing market has been hurt, it is still holding up better than many other parts of the country. After a prolonged period of increasing retail vancancies, some of them have finally been occupied. Main Street is the cleanest in a long time (although it still has a ways to go), and Port's residents have finally taken an interest in maintaining our hamlet. Manhasset Bay has received the best environmental report in years (although it too has a ways to go). The restoration of the Main Street School into the Landmark and the Blumenfeld Park, the enhanced tree ordinances (although many of us feel they should be more uniform and go further), are other of Port's unique qualities and attractions.

4. The Port Washington Branch of the Long Island Rail Road is generally considered the best line in the railroad.

5. The recently remodeled Port Commons on Port Boulevard and Main Street is certainly a major enhancement over the previous eyesore! The newly redesigned and upgraded Manorhaven Pool has attracted large crowds on a regular basis.

6. Our crime rate is certainly relatively low compared to most other areas.

7. Although many of us believe that they could be run more efficiently or effectively, Port's schools are certainly better than most.

8. Port North's Bay Watch and road enhancements have certainly improved the look and feel of the Shore Road area.

9. Our weekly Organic Farmer's Market, and monthly Arts, Crafts, and Antique fairs certainly add a degree of civility and quaintness to the area.

10. The beauties of the Sands Point Preserve, etc., are amazing!

Of course, this is only a partial list, and we all have our favorite places and things to do. People from all across the Island and Queens come to Port's many fine restaurants, and the annual Harborfest is a true testamony to this areas prides, as well as the many parades, fairs, Cinema on the Bay, etc. While Port Washington is far from perfect, and we need to strive for continued improvement and enhancement, occasionally it is nice to sit back and take pride, and appreciate what we call home.