Yumans express thanks for businesses

Dear Santa:

Yes, it's the good folks of Yuma County again, but this year we're giving you a break from our annual begging for Trader Joe's and Costco.

Since your bag likely is as lean this year as everyone's budgets, we just want to take a moment as we prepare for Thanksgiving to let you know we appreciate the businesses and restaurants you've brought us in the past that we now enjoy.

Miriam said it well: "I am excited to write about things I am thankful for. This is a tough time for everyone and new things aren't always better things."

At the top of her Thanksgiving list is the local AEA Federal Credit Union. "My husband lost his job and we had difficulties making our loan payments. Things are back on track now and I will always remember what they did for us. They were there when we really needed them," she wrote.

She also appreciates local dealerships like Two Guys Auto Center. "I got a good deal and I shopped local - two good things in one."

And Main St. Cinemas. "I can have coffee and watch a movie. What more could I ask for?"

Chandra wrote: "I am thankful for all of the businesses in Yuma for offering variety, selection and hanging on through our long hot summers."

At the top of her list is The Dojo of the Southern Sun karate school run by Nathan Bratcher. "Without his school, I am afraid my children would all be couch potatoes. My second choice is The Learning Pad Christian Preschool, which all of my children attended and learned so much in a short amount of time."

Her third choice is Hospice of Yuma for providing excellent care at the end of life.

"And I cannot forget all the pizza that we eat provided by DaBoyz, and Bernardo's, and my new favorite, the crepe shop on wheels. I love the Yuma Sun, too. Thank you!"

Several parents said how much they appreciate a relatively new day care business that takes drop-ins.

"I am grateful for The Treehouse Kids Club!!!!" wrote Ericka. "It's so nice to have a drop-in day care center here in Yuma.

Anytime I have a doctor's appointment, need to run a few errands or to go on a date with my husband, I can take my children to The Treehouse and know that they will have a great time. There are even times my children ask just to go play. It's nice knowing that I always have a baby sitter if I need one."

Eileen expressed thanks for the Yuma branch of Northern Arizona University for offering bachelor degrees to local Yuma students, for excellent food at Carla Renee's in downtown Yuma, for special treasures at both Goodwills and the many other consignment shops in town, for the Main Street movie theater and lastly the new wine bar at the Radisson Hotel.

Other local businesses people are thankful for:

• The Grocery Store on Foothills Boulevard. "What a time saver this little store is," wrote Barbara.

• The staff at Arizona West Veterinary. "They rock!" wrote Liz.

• Ilene and Elmer appreciate Romeo's Car Wash. "They do a thorough cleaning job and also wash the windows inside and out."

• Public Beauty Supply "It's my one-stop beauty shop," wrote Brenda.

• The parts department at Liberty Motorsports. "Paul and his team are customer friendly, reasonably priced and capable of finding hard-to-find parts for all brands of motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs and PWCs. In the economy we have here in Yuma, this is significant considering the customer base that enjoys the sand dunes, local deserts, roads/highways and Colorado River," wrote Bill.

• Visions, the metaphysical store in downtown Yuma. "It’s wonderful to have a fine selection of jewelry, books, CDs, art, candles, cards and much more right here in town," wrote Charlotte. "And the beautiful, peaceful back garden is a lovely place to sit and relax."

• Dr. Jeremy Curry and his staff at Yuma Valley Advanced Pain Management. "You are the greatest. Welcome to Yuma," wrote Mary.

•  Log Cabin Quilts in the Big Curve Shopping Center got several kudos from grateful quilters for the service, selection of fabrics and supplies as well as the inspiration owners and staff provide.

• Yuma Fun Factory. "What a great place for everyone in the family to go and eat, play and hang out," wrote Vicki.

A couple of businesses even took a moment to express their gratitude for their customers.

"Our family and staff at 24 Karat Jewelers would like to thank all the great customers we have had over the last 30 years in business," wrote Jorge, Kathy and Jeff Ahuactzin. "We are especially thankful to all the great people who helped us move to our new location when it was 118 degrees the first week of July."

Louis Didier also expressed his appreciation to his loyal customers, the produce growers in Yuma and Imperial Valley, who have kept Select Seed of Arizona in business for 25 years.

Duvi wanted to say thank you for the Ross For Less Yuma store. "I love it because there you can find very good bargains on articles of very well-known brand names. I only wish everybody would be careful how they handle things, especially when they try on clothes."

Finally, it's obvious Yumans appreciate the variety of restaurants now available.

One reader said she likes having the healthy alternative fast food offered by Nature's Express.

Wellton residents are enjoying Chuck's Stage Stop. Wrote Stormi: "I want to tell you how much Chuck's Stage Stop Restaurant has brought to our community: Delicious home cooking, friendly, customer-oriented personnel, numerous contributions to our local elementary students and a unique western ambiance that showcases local artists' work. Owners Chuck and Mary and their restaurant are a blessing any season of the year."

Diane is grateful for the Kountry Kitchen in the Foothills - "the place to go ... for good and friendly service and very good breakfasts and lunches."

Pat appreciates Olive Garden - a great example of wishes sometimes coming true if we're patient enough.

More than one reader wrote in to say how nice it is to go to a German restaurant in town with the opening this fall of Das Bratwurst Haus in downtown Yuma.

Robert said it well: "The food is so good that my wife and I ate there three of the first four days they were open. Barbara and Bill and their staff are very friendly hosts and have worked hard to make the atmosphere warm, friendly and truly German. It's so nice to have a new, outstanding, locally owned restaurant that's not a cookie cutter franchise."

The Rancho Rialto Lunch Bunch sends their thanks for the meals they enjoyed over the summer at Parish's Bar and Grill, Mandarin Garden, Don Quijote's, Crazy Earl's, DaBoyz Pizza and Daybreakers. "A special thanks from all of us for staying open all summer, offering great specials for their loyal customers and superb food and service."

Kneader's Bakery is a favorite lunch stop for Connie, while Flo and Larry "are extremely thankful" for The Tiki Hut in the Foothills where the owners are friendly and the frozen yogurt a "yummy" and healthier alternative to ice cream.

Ed feels blessed by the old favorites and the new places that have recently opened.

"And appreciation of the Garden Cafe is always in order," wrote Betsy.