It's hard to break a habit, but sometimes good health demands that we do.

On June 29, Sewickley Valley Chamber of Commerce held its first street dance this year. There was moderate participation -- some adults, a few families with young children and many teens.

They heard the music from Division Street and came to see what the activity was all about.

The closed-off street, just a block off Beaver and Broad, was the dance floor for Marlon Silva and Cassandra Sproch, who treated everyone to salsa lessons. And there was plenty of Latin tunes for the newly taught to practice.

More street dance nights have been planned - July 20, Aug. 10 and 24.

Phil Harris, chamber president, wants to see the summer party get bigger and better.

Food vendors will take part this month and next. And tiki torches will light the way to the celebration.

The chamber is trying to invigorate the town with new customers, but that is difficult to do if most of the shopping district is closed.

Those who visited for the first salsa night might have frequented a restaurant, caught a gallery opening or indulged in some coffee or ice cream after their dancing was through. There was little more for them to do, since most of the shops were dark by 5 p.m.

Of course, window shopping was an option. Yet a cash sale in the hand is worth two ... sometime in the future.

It is said that the Village is a treasure. And it is.

It's up to all of us to take a renewed interest in bringing residents from other areas -- or more from our own community -- to enjoy a special event and to shop in the Village.

This summer snapshot of closed businesses is not the best we can offer.

The chamber could use the support of those it is organized to sustain.

People from all around the region eagerly join us for spring's Wet Paint

Day, September's Sewickley Harvest Festival and December's Light-up Night.

With the right kind of activity and the whole town's cooperation, Sewickley could become a "village for all seasons."