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Page 4, RURAL-URBAN RECORD, September 26, 2022

LOCAL BUSINESSES

Elyria Columbia Grafton

Dempsey Appliance Station Grafton Sparkle Market
433 Oberlin Rd. | 440-322-8170
With over 64 yrs of experience! Frank Clarke Insurance Agency 460 N. Main St. | 440-926-3328
www.graftonsparkle.com
25070 Royalton Rd. | 440-236-5041
Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home www.frankclarkeagency.com
38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd.
440-322-4626 | www.laubenthalmercado.com 1007 Parsons Rd. | 440-926-2880
9858 E. River Rd. www.graftonmowerservice.com
440-235-2766
Wellington www.gibbsbutcherblock.com Century Landscape & Garden Center

The Rural-Urban Record 11749 Avon Belden Rd | 440-343-7003
Your Local Spartan Mower Dealer
Wellington 121-123 E. Herrick Ave P.O. Box 966 | 440-236-8982
AUTO PARTS 440-647-4965 www.rural-urbanrecord.com
M-F 8-5:30pm, Sat 8-4pm Protech Automotive & Cycle LLC
788 Main St. | 440-926-3499
Olmsted Falls Serving Grafton for 30 years
LaGrange

25438 Sprague Rd.
540 N. Center St. 440-235-4317 905 Main St. | 440-865-3565
440-355-8920 www.tsmower.com www.courtneycarnesphotography.com
www.lagrangeiga.com
1021 Main St.
440-926-2048
Burnett’s Septic Eaton www.dukefuneralhome.com

Services Schild’s IGA

120 W Commerce Dr, RT 82 & Island Rd. | 440-748-3751 Grafton, OH
440-355-5526 www.schildsigagrafton.com 440-653-3617
www.burnettssepticservice.com www.highlandfloorrefinishing.com
Leaf peeping planning guide
How voters can prepare icent colors on display in autumn. Fall offers irreplaceable How small businesses
Millions of people each year look forward to the magnif-
for Election Day views, whether you’re atop a mountain ridge or thick in the can support and help
folds of a forest. In addition, the crackle of leaves underfoot
The right to vote is one of the foundations of democracy. and the earthy smell of the soil tempts the senses even more.
Some advance planning can help make fall foliage trips that
Exercising that right is vital to creating a nation where everyone much more enjoyable and awe-inspiring. each other grow
feels as though their voice has been heard. Peak viewing times
Given the significance of voting and all that the right to vote Areas of the northern-most latitude will start to show col- Small businesses play a vital role in economies across the
symbolizes for so many people, Election Day is an incredibly or earlier than more southern areas. Generally speaking, the globe. The Small Business Administration says small business-
important day on the American calendar. In recognition of that leaf-viewing season begins in late September and runs through es - which are defined as firms that have fewer than 500 em-
significance, voters can consider these tips to prepare for Elec- early November for much of North America. Peak times for ployees - comprise 99.9 percent of all businesses in the United
tion Day so they can exercise their right to vote as efficiently as viewing depend on areas of travel and time of year. For large States. Small businesses may be defined differently elsewhere in
possible. swaths of Canada and the United States, plan trips for late-Sep- the world (in the European Union, small businesses are defined
· Make sure you’re registered to vote. With the exception of tember to mid-October. The Weather Channel offers maps and as firms with 50 or fewer employees), but they are no less valu-
North Dakota, each state has its own voter registration dead- charts at www.weather.com/maps/fall-foliage for the peak able to their economies.
lines, and voters must register prior to those deadlines in order times for many areas of the U.S. Because of the key role small businesses play, including em-
to vote on Election Day. Voters can visit the US Vote Foun- Pick your destination ploying millions of people throughout the world, it is essential
Anywhere with deciduous trees provides the opportunity
dation at usvotefoundation.org to view the election dates and to witness blazing autumn color. During leaf-peeping season, that small businesses thrive and prosper. There is much the pub-
deadlines in their states and U.S. territories. Voters who know travelers can go coast to coast and see awesome vistas. Some lic can do to help small businesses be successful, but there also
they are not registered can visit Vote.gov to begin the registra- regions are particularly known for their leaf displays. New are steps small business owners can take to assist one another.
tion process. York’s Catskill and Adirondack regions are prime spots for vis- · Pass along opportunities. As a business owner, if you come
· Find your polling place. Voters cannot simply vote at any itors in the autumn. Those who live further north will find that across a resource or an opportunity that may not be the ideal fit
polling place. Each voter is assigned a polling place, and that leaves in Vermont are such an attraction that routes are pub- for your own company, consider sharing the information with
place is generally within close proximity to a voter’s home. Lo- lished indicating where to enjoy the best views. Further south, another small business owner or recommending another firm
that might make for a more suitable partner.
cal schools or churches often serve as polling locations, but the Central and Eastern Virginia peak in late October. And don’t · Promote one another. Make sure there is a prominent and
official guide to government information and services USA.gov forget the shores of the Great Lakes, which are awash in reds, visible collection of business cards or promotional materials
urges voters to contact their state or territorial election office in oranges and yellows by mid-September. The travel resource available in your facility. For example, if you are a local real es-
advance of Election Day to determine their designated polling Frommer’s offers more leaf-peeping locales to visit. tate agent, you can promote and recommend mortgage brokers,
place. Voters who received sample ballots in the mail also can Pack the right gear home inspectors, interior designers, and moving companies. If
While most people are not without a smartphone that can
check those ballots to see if their polling place is listed. capture amazing high-resolution imagery, serious leaf photog- you own a store, enable other businesses to advertise their own
· Know the ID requirements. Voter ID requirements vary raphers may want to take out their prized camera equipment for stores and services.
from state to state, so voters are urged to determine what is re- leaf-peeping excursions. Also bring along a map or a GPS-en- · Organize networking and meeting opportunities. Network-
quired to vote at their local polling place. The National Con- abled device so you can explore back roads and areas off the ing and meeting with others in the industry is a great way to
ference of State Legislatures has a detailed, state-by-state list of beaten path more readily. share ideas to see what may be working
voter identification requirements that can be accessed for free at There are plenty of apps that can help with foliage-finding
ncsl.org. Voters who are uncertain about the ID requirements at adventures, so a phone is a handy tool. When packing, also
their local polling place are urged to visit the site in advance of bring along hiking boots, comfortable layered clothing and any
Election Day so they know what to expect and can meet all ID equipment you’d normally take for an afternoon in the great
requirements when they show up to vote. outdoors.
· Study your sample ballot. Sample ballots can help voters fa- Another idea is to hit the ATM machine prior to the visit.
miliarize themselves with candidates in local and national elec- Many smaller towns and their local shops may not take credit
tions. Studying these ballots in advance and learning what each cards, so it’s best to have cash on hand for food and souvenirs.
candidate stands for can help voters make the most informed Extend the day
Make leaf-peeping part of a larger series of events for the
voting decision. day. Scope out vineyards where you can sample local wines
Individuals who still have questions about what to expect or plan trips around orchards, where you can come home with
on Election Day can visit USA.gov/election-day to speak with a beautiful photos as well as fresh-picked apples and pumpkins.
live USA.gov agent. You may find a county fair or street festival while exploring.