Talk of the Town: What a buck will get you today

What’s happened to the mighty dollar these days? Dollar stores, some boasting just 99 cents, are springing up in shopping areas all over the country.

In communities hit hard by (dare I say it?) the recession!, folks are scrambling for bargains wherever they can get them, and these stores that tout goods for a buck seem to be the answer.

While there are plenty of different dollar store branches, like Family Dollar and Dollar Tree, the basic idea behind them is the same.

You can find all kinds of interesting and useful items like snacks, cleaning supplies, kitchenware, clothing, school supplies, tools and other hardware, cosmetics and knick-knacks—all in the $1 price range.

Discount stores in general have become useful alternatives for money-conscious shoppers.

Often, the items are comparable in quality to regularly-priced items with the same function.

Because of the variety of items available, it’s possible to save your hard-earned cash on discount and dollar store purchases.

Many consumers have known this secret for years.

It’s a secret that is only becoming more widespread each day as folks look for ways to save.

Too good to be true? Why would anyone want to shop at a regular full-priced store for all of their purchases?

Below are some of the pros and cons of shopping at dollar establishments:

Pros:

The prices are often lower than popular discount stores.

Wide selection of useful items.

Dollar stores tend to be smaller than department stores, which often makes them more accessible for people with special needs.

They are widespread. You can find them in big cities and small towns.

Cons:

Many of the food items are less healthy. Use your discretion.

Check expirations dates, and if you can’t see one, don’t buy it.

Not everything under the sun is available. Electronics, appliances, quality clothing, and higher quality kitchen utensils will generally not be found in these stores.

According to MSN Money, not everyone is thrilled with the food and other common dollar store products.

Consumer Reports warned against buying certain products from dollar stores, some because of safety concerns: electrical items such as extension cords and Christmas lights, vitamin supplements, brands that sound like known brands but aren’t, vinyl lunch boxes, and toddlers’ toys.

The bottom line: You can supplement your regular shopping experience with visits to dollar stores.

Shop wisely and save money.

Green Valley’s Janet Pooley Franks shares her life in her recently self-published book, “Nanna to Nanna-—The Story of two Nanna’s” (sic) dedicated “with love” to the memory of her beloved son, the late Barry Richard Franks, her daughter Caroline and her grandchildren, Amy Hofmann, and Sara, Jennifer and Matt Geddes, all of whom, she says, “asked, and then cajoled” her into writing her story.

Franks’ book is a story about her grandmother, Nanna No. 1, and some of the events of her life.

Some 17 years later after her death, Franks herself became Nanna No. 2.

Franks, who adores researching her genealogy, writes about her ancestors and peppers her book with family photos.

She says she adored Nanna No. 1 and points out affectionately that she was “obstinate, proud and opinionated” and “when she thought something was right, that was it!”

Franks also says she misses her Nanna No. 1 desperately.

Franks’ most moving chapter is that focusing on her late son, Barry, a Marine who died tragically in Vietnam when a plane carrying him crashed, killing all on board on Jan. 17, 1969.

In other chapters, Franks writes about her involvement with the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. where her son’s name in etched in granite with the more than 58,000 others who perished in Vietnam.

Franks has devoted her life to the memorial by befriending soldiers who fought in Vietnam and who return to the wall to remember their buddies who didn’t make it home.

”Having these young men call me “mom” and seeking me out when they needed a hug or comfort was special, and the thanks they gave me as they began to feel better was all I needed,” she says.

Today, Franks is not only involved with Newcomers, but is a member of a local Red Hat Society chapter, the Garden Club, the Green Valley Elks Lodge No. 2592, serving on the Elks Veterans Committee.

She is also a Gold Star Mother, a life member of the Marine Corps League, Green Valley detachment, and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

“Barry would be proud of what I have done,” she says. “I know that he is still watching over me and guiding me along the determined, but sometimes, rocky path of life. I have always reiterated in any talk I have given that every time I honor a veteran, I am once again honoring my son.”

Franks is also delighted to be a great-grandmother to Ben and Allie Hofmann and a grandmother to her grandson-in-law (as she calls him), Brody Hofmann.

rford@gvnews.com | 547-9740