This time of year, most of us are dreaming of air conditioning, not a white Christmas. It's hard to start thinking snowmen and eggnog when you're still mopping sweat from your brow.

I am 86 years old and can walk with a walker. On Aug. 15 I want to Wal-Mart to do some shopping. I left my walker in the lobby where they keep the carts. I used an electric cart to do my shopping. When I went to get my walker, it was gone.

Lynne's Cards & Gifts, 137 Main St.: The place is such a central hangout that owner Lynne Jones says she's like a bartender, minus the alcohol. "We know everybody's story," she says.

Have someone you would like to nominate? We chose this list after polling many members of the business community and tallying the results. But do you think we missed anyone?

The parent company of Linens 'N Things said Monday several key vendors have agreed to accept credit as payment as retailers head into a busy fall shopping season.