Last night we had dinner at Mangiamo Italian Grill on West Michigan Avenue. [1]
It was well after 6:00pm when we arrived, but construction crews were only then starting to pack up for the day. We paused before entering the restrant to thank one of the guys for their hard work on behalf of our city. [2]
The photograph above obviously wasn’t made recently. Streetscape reflections in the windows were very different then. No chance of lucking into parking spot right outside the front door — handicapped or otherwise. [3]
Thus appeals to “Pave It Forward!” abound. [4]
We’re personally blessed with the ability to comply, frequenting downtown Saline restaurants now as often or more than ever. At the same time, we completely empathize with those who cannot, people who would like to shrug off physical impediments in support of continued enjoyment of the food, shopping, and entertainment that hallmark summers in the City of Saline. [5,6]
If that’s you, consider purchasing gift certificates from those local businesses that offer them. Try calling to see if you can buy over the phone with a credit card then have it mailed to you. [7,8]
Once received, “pave it forward” to a future point on the calendar that falls after Michigan Avenue construction is finished. Package it as an anticipated downtown Saline experience that you can guarantee the recipient has never seen before.
Use this option to start your Christmas shopping now, beating the last-minute rush! Or to set aside for 2017 birthdays. Better yet: As a well-deserved gift for your future self, as a credibly promised date-night with that special someone.
Next Valentine’s Day? Sure. Why not?
Purchases such as this — while not perfect substitutes for the increasing challenges being faced by downtown Saline businesses — can be serve as a timely boost to cash flow. Notwithstanding construction, shopkeepers still have bills to pay today. Selfishly support them with this today to ensure they’ll be around to continue serving you tomorrow.
By the way: Yes, Mangiamo Italian Grill does offer gift certificates.
We asked.
References
- “Mangiamo Italian Grill” Grubhub.
- “US-12 (Michigan Avenue) Reconstruction: City of Saline” (January 2016) Michigan Department of Transportation.
- “Free Public Parking” (map) Visit Saline.
- “Pave It Forward – what does this mean for Saline?“
- Visit Saline (home page).
- City of Saline (home page).
- “Consumer Information: Gift Cards” Federal Trade Commission.
- “Gift Card Girlfriend Blog” Sheley Hunter, Gift Card Girlfriend.
