As I was driving home from work last Friday I decided to pass the location for my scheduled ribbon-cutting on Saturday. As I drove up I could not help but notice the "Meet The Mayor" sign in the window of Bella Sierra's Pizza at 533 Fulton St. (Route 109) in Farmingdale. In my tenure as mayor I have attended many ribbon-cuttings and events. This was the first that I actually had top billing. As I arrived at home I wondered what this pre-billing would bring. Saturday was going to be another busy day for me. Baseball games, the ribbon-cutting and an appearance at the Strike Out Genocide bowling event at Farmingdale Lanes. I was anxious to get to Bella Sierra, curious as to who would be there. I also made sure that I brought my appetite. I was met by the owners Frank and Bill and immediately introduced to their families. While the store has been there for years (as Fulton Street Pizza), the new owners have expanded the menu and added some delicious items. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by the pizza samples and the Zeppoles and rice pudding being passed out. They cooked me a delicious meatball parmigiana hero for lunch that I gobbled up (being very careful as not to splatter my tie with sauce!). There were residents who showed up to try the pizza and actually a few who wanted to ask me some questions about the ongoing road work in the village. It was very rewarding to answer their questions and speak one on one with them in a relaxed atmosphere. It was a pleasure to be part of the grand opening celebration. Their wonderful hospitality reminded me, once again, what makes the businesses in our village so unique. We sometimes think of the village as only being along Main Street. Bella Sierra is now another reason to pay attention and patronize the other businesses that are in the village, the many stores along route 109 (Fulton Street) and Hempstead Turnpike (Conklin Street). In many cases you are dealing directly with the owners of the businesses. They have a vested interest in making sure you are treated right and receive the best possible service. I want to remind all of you to shop locally here in the village. We have some of the best restaurants and a wide variety of stores and vendors who will make sure you are all treated like you were the mayor and you won't have to worry about answering any questions!