The words "need for revitalization" keeps being banded about in the hamlet of Oyster Bay. We think it is time to stop being so negative. There are many vital and wonderful businesses in Oyster Bay that fill a need in the community and are an asset to us all.

We're sure you have your favorites from the family businesses of Nobman's Hardware Emporium, to Bernstein's Home Center, to Smith's Jewelry and Smith's Optical, to the Attic Door. Add in Buckingham's Variety store that is a local staple for staples. There is Ben's Garden, Periwinkles, Verrelli's, Appliance World, Oyster Bay Travel, Rich-Bern Travel, Gooseberry Grove, Appliance World, Next-to-New, Andrew Pascoe, Dodds & Eder and their wonderful Christmas store that has just opened for the season.

There's Canterbury Ales, Al Dente, Wild Honey, Il Piatto, Harborside Deli, Highlights, Chinese Gourmet, Muir the Store, and more!

Another successful business in the hamlet is Not Just Art that is celebrating its 15th Anniversary on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1 and 2 from 1 to 5 p.m. It obviously fills a special niche in the hamlet.

Not Just Art is the art, music, science enrichment school and toy store for children birth through 10 years old and their parents.

Rachel Lefkowitz, their public relations representative tells us that there will be a party for those who have attended the school featuring art activities for all ages, a great big Music Together jam, food, favors, prizes and more.

It will be an active, joyous, adorable celebration about a highly successful Long Island business and the happiness it has brought to its families.

She said over 12,000 people have experienced Not Just Art over the past 15 years. This party is a real thank you to those who have made Not Just Art what it is today. "Therefore we are limiting invitations primarily to those who have attended the school," she said.

Open to the public - there will be a photographic exhibit at Art That Matters, 55 East Main St., Oyster Bay, developed by Rob Goldman -- featuring Not Just Art students. The exhibit will open that weekend, and runs through Jan. 6, 2008, after which time it will begin touring.

Now there's something to be proud of!

Let's have more celebration of what we do and less complaining about what we are not. - DFK